NIU Alumni Association

NIU Alumni Volunteers

We are proud of our Huskies and enjoy seeing your successes after graduating from NIU. We especially appreciate those who look back to NIU and volunteer to offer their support to the next generation of Huskies. Many alumni connect on-campus, off-campus or online to support students and share NIU’s impact with their networks. Read their stories and learn more about how our Huskies are donating their time back to their alma mater.

Interested in volunteering with NIU? Check out NIU Nexus, our alumni volunteer community!

Cassandra Busse, '92, Joins NIU Alumni Association Board of Directors

Busse's transformational student experience instilled a sense of civic responsibility and a passion for advocacy
Erin Kirby, '22, Tunes into Huskie Marching Band Alumni Network for Connection

Kirby was inspired to become involved in the HMBAN to show her appreciation for all her opportunities as an NIU student
Samantha DeDina, '12, and John Palmer, '00, J.D. '03, Receive Inaugural Northern Lights Award

DeDina and Palmer are recognized for their generosity, initiative, reliability, joyfulness, curiosity, and commitment as alumni volunteers
Jordan Arcilla, '18, M.A.S. '19, Volunteers to Prepare Students for Professional Careers

Arcilla cheers on Huskies through virtual and in-person volunteer opportunities
Scott Burton, '84: Music Industry VP Reflects on his NIU Roots and Gives Back

Burton credits NIU for launching his 40-year-plus career in music promotions and distribution
Pattie Schiele, '86: An Encouraging Voice for Current and Prospective Students

Schiele volunteers to foster student success
Byte-Sized Acts With Big Volunteer Impact: Kevin Sweeney, '99, M.S. '00

Sweeney joined the CSAC to help students prepare for their transition into the professional world
Madelyn Anderson, M.A. '92: Huskies Never Quit. They Volunteer.

Anderson was taught at a young age that a community’s health is influenced by its citizens’ engagement
Shannice Berry, ’10, M.S.Ed. ’12: Higher Education, Higher Purpose

The potential to impact and influence keeps Shannice Berry involved as an NIU alumni volunteer
Alumni Encore: Bryan Miller, '89, Strikes a Chord With the Marching Band Alumni Council

Bryan Miller brings experience as a music educator, military band conductor, professional orchestra conductor, and trumpet artist to the MBAC
Blagovesta Tagareva, M.B.A. '22, Amplifies NIU Alumni

As an NIUniverse social media ambassador, Tagareva shares the accomplishments of fellow Huskies
Ryan Weidner, ’98, M.B.A. ’12, Joins NIU Alumni Association Board of Directors

As co-founder and chief financial officer of Pollyanna Brewing Company, Weidner is already a committed partner of the NIU Alumni Association
Richard Slonski, '08: Honored Army Veteran Joins Interfraternity Council Board

Slonski gives back to NIU as an active Sigma Alpha Epsilon alumnus
Silverette Alumna, Cheryl Ringler, '89, Shares Her Talents Both On and Off the Field

Ringler works with NIU affinity groups and Silverette alumnae and she still loves to dance
NIU Scholarships Inspired Rachel Pawlisz, '05, to Volunteer for Student Success

Pawlisz participates in remote volunteer opportunities to increase student and alumni engagement.
NIU Black Alumni Council Member, Eric Lindsay, '80, Spearheads Fundraising and Engagement

Lindsay wants to be a visible Black alumni supporter of his alma mater
Edgar Lopez, '20, M.B.A. '21, Pays it Forward by Mentoring First-Generation Latino Students

Lopez supports student development to positively impact student retention and graduation rates
Alumni Find the Right Mix of Volunteering and Giving for Meaningful Philanthropy

Northern Illinois University is proud to highlight the inspirational stories of our volunteers who are making a difference
Volunteer Spotlight: Eric Caliendo, '91, NIU Marching Band Alumni Council Member

Caliendo's time volunteering connects different generations of Huskies
James Alford, ’16, M.S.Ed. ’17, Earns Outstanding Young Alumnus Award

Alford guides future generations with the principles of mentorship and community he developed while at NIU
Center for Black Studies, Black Alumni Council Host Homecoming Events for Connection, Celebration

Center for Black Studies Homecoming Planning Committee member Michael Johns, '07, M.S.Ed. '10, shares his excitement about the upcoming festivities
Volunteer Spotlight: Erica Huerta '14

Banker believes in the importance of staying engaged with students and fellow alumni
Volunteer Spotlight: Steve Barger '85

Computer science alumnus makes connections on personal, professional level through volunteering at NIU
Volunteer Spotlight: Bill Hartig, '82, M.B.A. '84

After a fulfilling career in business, alumnus gives back through various volunteer opportunities
Volunteer Spotlight: Cherese Johnson, ’15, M.B.A. ’17

Johnson “lifts as she climbs,” giving back to students and the university where she began.
Volunteer Spotlight: Andrea Robinett, ’11

Based in California, Robinett enjoys showing Huskie Pride with other alumni who live 2,000 miles from campus.
Volunteer Spotlight: Ting Ting Chan, Ph.D. '17

Chan volunteers to give back to University that gave her opportunities
Volunteer Spotlight: Linda Mullen, ’72

"I believe giving back should be part of all our plans," she says.
Volunteer Spotlight: Vince DaCosta, ’07, M.B.A. ’10

After getting his start through an NIU-Walgreens internship, DaCosta wants to be an "impactful alumnus who students remember."
Volunteer Spotlight: Sira J. Crusoe, '18

Psychology grad enjoys volunteering to connect with students
Volunteer Spotlight: Elitza Alexandrova, M.A.S. '08

Helps students with resume and interviewing skills, enjoys giving back as a student who received scholarships
Volunteer Spotlight: Ryan Ostry, ’18

After learning to give back as a student, Ostry continues to support students and alumni as a volunteer.
I am Huskies United: Katryna Weingart, ’22

High school teacher and play director credits scholarships with helping her achieve her career dreams.
Volunteer Spotlight: Suzanne Geisler, M.S.Ed. '19

Hope Haven therapist gives time and guidance to couselling students.
Michael Crawford, ’05, M.S.Ed. ’08, Supports Current Students Through Black Alumni Council

Crawford found support through mentors at high school, college levels, and now gives back to NIU
Students Work to Increase Awareness During Advocacy Week

NIU Foundation Fellows and NIUAA Student Worker Help Important Cause
Volunteer Spotlight: Reyna Gilbert-Lowry, '01

Virginia Tech Sr. Associate Athletic Director Volunteers at NIU Remotely
Volunteer Spotlight: Randee Drew, ’04

Huskie Football’s Drew Shares Journey With NIU Students
Volunteer Spotlight: Rachel Lattner, ’11

Service-minded nurse practitioner mentors Huskies from long distance
Volunteer Spotlight: Madi Bernhardt, ’72

First-generation alumna mentors students about importance of Huskie grit.
Volunteer Spotlight: Joel Brock, ’00, M.S. ’09

Brock serves as an alumni advisor for the College of Engineering and Engineering Technology
Volunteer Spotlight: Travis Matthews, ’08

Peace Corps veteran shares his unconventional path of service with Huskies.
Volunteer Spotlight: Tony Briscoe, '19

Three years into a successful IT career, Briscoe serves as a career development mentor
Volunteer Spotlight: Brian Gross, ’02, M.P.A. ’05,

Gross Co-Founded NIU Program to Mentor Black Business Students
Volunteer Spotlight: First-Generation College Student James Alford, ’16, M.S.Ed. ’17, Mentors Hu

To Alford, NIU is "family and a way of life."
Brianna Smyles, ’19, Excels at SPX FLOW, Mentors Engineering Students

Smyles volunteers on NIU's Engineering and Engineering in Technology Alumni Society and as a programs advisor for its NSBE chapter.
Volunteer Spotlight: NIUAA Board Member Tom Libert, ’74, Stays Connected Through Giving Back

Libert encourages alumni to come back to campus and say "thank you" through volunteering.
Volunteer Spotlight: Jonathan Abejuela, ’11, M.B.A. ’17, Mentors Underdogs

Abejuela helps students grow from mistakes and fulfill ‘big dreams.’
Volunteer Spotlight: Kevin Delaplace Haro, M.B.A. ’16, Brings Int'l Experience to Students

As regional business development manager of ABDG, he is working to create Kuwait’s first-ever professionalized soccer center.
Volunteer Spotlight: Natalia Dmitruk, ’21, Feels 'Strong Bonds' at NIU

As a biomedical engineer, she volunteers her time at open houses, helping prospective engineering students.
Liz McSpadden, ’10, M.B.A. ’16, Gives Back to NIU Through Grace, Grit and Gratitude

McSpadden gives her time and talents to NIU, even as she goes through cancer treatments.
Volunteer Spotlight: Nicole Pomerleau, ’13

A teacher at heart, Pomerleau volunteers to impact NIU's SEED students.
Volunteer Spotlight: Melissa Lugo, ’06, M.S.Ed. ’08

First-generation graduate Lugo-Noun makes impact as counselor and volunteer
Volunteer Spotlight: Fred Vinciguerra, ’88

From "no clue" to CEO, NIU helped Vinciguerra land ideal job
Volunteer Spotlight: Tim Pierce, ’90, M.A. ’92

Pierce volunteers with NIU from thousands of miles away!
Volunteer Spotlight: Steven Andersson, ’86, J.D. ’92

Through a life of service, Andersson is making a difference ‘one life at a time’
Volunteer Spotlight: Anabell Rodriguez, M.S.Ed. ’14

Former international student and Fulbright Scholar encourages Huskies.
Volunteer Spotlight: Erin Hernandez, ’18

Changemaker Hernandez gives back to Huskies, helps shape future leaders.
Volunteer Spotlight: Dominick Archer, ‘80

As an athletics volunteer, Archer makes a difference for the sports he loves.
Volunteer Spotlight: Ying Pei, M.B.A. '18

Ying Pei shares her leadership secrets with students through volunteer work.
Volunteer Spotlight: Chris Janota, ’10

Janota Helps Students Make Great First Impressions Through Mentorship
Volunteer Spotlight: Lark Lewis, ’17

Lewis volunteers for NIU from her home in Washington, D.C., where she works a manager at the National Women's Law Center.
Marty Johnstone Felt Something Was Missing, So He Started Giving Back to NIU

Johnstone's love for NIU is apparent in his attendance at alumni events, his volunteer role as president of the NIU Huskie Marching Band Alumni Council, and his stepping up as one of the youngest members of the Alumni Association’s Board of Directors.
Retired RN Karen Guy, ’68, Thanks NIU by Mentoring Future Nurses

As a first-generation student at NIU, Karen Guy, ’68, like so many others, got her start in nursing at NIU. Now, after retiring from nursing and nursing education, Guy mentors future nurses on campus.
NIUAA Board President Peter Garrity Calls Campus Experiences Transformative

As the NIUAA Board president and a regular volunteer on campus, Peter Garrity, '71, M.B.A. '76, says his campus experiences continue to enlighten his perspective on the world.
Volunteering Offers Marcie Rogers, ’69, M.S.Ed. ’79, “New Dimension to Retirement””

After a 34-year career as a high school English teacher, Marcie Rogers, ’69, M.S.Ed. '79, is enjoying unforeseen opportunities and adventures through her volunteer work and travel with the NIU Alumni Association (NIUAA).
Dave Templin, ’89, Credits Accounting Faculty for Teaching Him to “Care for People”

First-generation student Dave Templin, ’89, discusses how NIU prepared him for a long, successful career in accounting while instilling in him the importance of people over numbers.
Sherry Reynolds-Whitaker Says “Doors Opened for Her” Because of NIU Education

Sherry Reynolds-Whitaker, M.B.A. ’09, MS.Ed. ’13, Ed.D. ’16, was a non-traditional and first-generation student during her time at NIU. Now, as CFO and chief school business official, she knows how to make the most of school resources.
Dan Chamberlain, ’92, Learned Valuable Life Lessons at NIU

From first-generation student at NIU to Marketing Lead at Capgemini, Dan Chamberlain used his time on the NIU campus as the basis for his career.
Illinois Human Rights Commissioner Steven Andersson Reflects on NIU’s Many Gifts

After a successful career as an attorney, a member of the Illinois House of Representatives, and now the Human Rights Commissioner for the State of Illinois, Steven Andersson, ’86, J.D. ’92, credits NIU with important lessons.
Accounting Professor Emeritus Dave Sinason, ’15, Shares His Non-Traditional NIU Story

Accounting Professor Emeritus Dave Sinason, ’15, has had a unique experience as an NIU parent, professor, student and volunteer.
First-Generation Student Ellen Strebar Strives to Be a Servant Leader

As director of marketing and program development for Inte Q in Oak Brook, Illinois, Ellen Strebar works every day to cultivate partnerships and build lasting relationships across a variety of industries. She also volunteers on campus, mentoring students
Don Hubbartt, ’96, M.B.A. ’01, Mentors and Solves Problems Through Work and Volunteering

As director of compensation at Siemens USA and a member of the NIU Alumni Association’s (NIUAA) Board of Directors, Don Hubbartt, ’96, M.B.A. ’01, finds fulfillment in helping employees plan their career paths at his company. He’s also happy to gu
Michelle Gorham, ’89, M.S. ’92, Serves her Community with Pride

As the chief advancement officer at YMCA of Rock River Valley, Inc., in Rockford, Illinois, Michelle Gorham, ’89, M.S. ’92, feels most fulfilled when she can be helping her community. She is an experienced fundraising professional who uses the practic
From Non-Traditional Student to Successful Engineer, Joseph Sener Set His Own Course

Joseph Sener, ’93, M.S. ’10, didn’t take the traditional route to earning his bachelor’s and master’s degrees in industrial engineering. His dedicated work ethic and desire to give back to NIU set him apart from other alumni.