Notable Alumni of Northern Illinois University: A Legacy of Success
Northern Illinois University (NIU) boasts a diverse and accomplished alumni network spanning various fields, from arts and entertainment to politics, business, and athletics. With nearly 54,000 living alumni in the College of Education alone, NIU has made a positive impact on countless lives in Illinois, across the country, and around the world. This article highlights some of the most famous and influential graduates who have emerged from this institution, showcasing their achievements and contributions to society.
Arts and Entertainment
NIU has produced a remarkable array of talent in the entertainment industry. Robert Zemeckis, a renowned filmmaker known for directing and producing successful movies that blend visual effects with storytelling, stands out. His work has earned him an Academy Award and a Golden Globe Award.
Joan Allen, a celebrated actress known for her work on stage and screen, graduated with a Bachelor of Arts in theater in 1989. She has received a Tony Award and nominations for three Academy Awards, a BAFTA Award, three Primetime Emmy Awards, and three Golden Globe Awards.
Kurt Sutter, a screenwriter, director, producer, and actor, earned a Master of Fine Arts from NIU. He is known for his work on "The Shield" and as the creator of "Sons of Anarchy" and its spinoff, "Mayans M.C."
Dan Castellaneta, the voice of Homer Simpson and numerous other characters on "The Simpsons," is another notable alumnus. His voice acting has also been featured in "Hey Arnold!" and various other programs.
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Wood Harris, known for his roles in "Above the Rim," "Remember the Titans," and "The Wire," graduated with a Bachelor of Arts from NIU.
Other accomplished figures in arts and entertainment include:
- Patricia Wood, an author.
- Jonathan Allsop, an actor.
- Peter Freischlag, a renowned artist and coach.
- Sebastian Maniscalco, a comedian with a Netflix special and acting roles in major films.
- Justin Mentell, an actor who appeared on ABC's "Boston Legal."
- Joe Minoso, an actor from "Chicago Fire."
- Brian Simpson, a musician.
- Jason Matthew Smith, an actor.
- Richard Powers, an author.
- Doug Walker, an actor.
- Barbara Alyn Woods, an actress.
- Emily Vitrano, an artist.
- Jasmin Nava, an artist.
- Daniil Krimer, an artist.
Politics and Public Service
NIU alumni have also made significant contributions to the field of politics and public service. Tammy Duckworth, a retired Army National Guard lieutenant colonel, serves as the junior United States senator from Illinois since 2017. She previously represented Illinois's 8th congressional district in the House of Representatives.
Anies Baswedan, an Indonesian academic, activist, and politician, served as the Governor of Jakarta from 2017 to 2022. He earned his Ph.D. from NIU.
Dennis Hastert, a former politician, teacher, and wrestling coach, represented Illinois's 14th congressional district from 1987 to 2007 and served as the Speaker of the House from 1999 to 2007. He graduated with a Master of Science in 1967.
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Robin Kelly, a Democratic Congresswoman from Illinois's 2nd congressional district since 2013, also holds a Ph.D.
Other notable alumni in politics and public service include:
- Valerie Salmons, dedicated to public service.
- Brad Townsend, with a career in public service.
- Brian Caputo, involved in public service.
- Shawn Collins, a battalion chief.
- Michelen Miller, who earned an M.P.A.
- Louis Apostol, with a J.D.
- Helen Asimegbe, involved in public service.
- Bill Hannah, named Director of Finance for the City of St.
- Rena Cotsones, Assistant VP of ADEI.
- Michele Pankow, involved in public service.
- Jerry B. Kurz, an administrator.
- Mark McGowan, NCIS director.
- Willard Wirtz, Secretary of Labor under Presidents Kennedy and Johnson.
Business and Technology
NIU graduates have also excelled in the business and technology sectors. John Sall, an American billionaire businessman and computer software developer, co-founded SAS Institute and created the JMP statistical software.
Other notable alumni in business and technology include:
- Michele Herlein, CEO.
- Jonathan Koepke, with an M.B.A.
- Andrew Gorski, with an M.B.A.
- Denise Kennedy, with an M.B.A.
- John Groh, with an M.B.A.
- Marty Johnstone, on the NIUAA Board of Directors.
- Joselyn Rand, with an M.B.A.
- Elois Joseph, with an M.B.A.
- Fields Jackson, with an M.B.A.
- Kristin Hamblock, an HR expert.
- Dave Thillen, a retired IBM executive.
- James Deutsch, honored with F.R.
- Tanya Klaslo, an operations executive.
- Peter Pierro, an academic.
- Jeremy Gresham, with an M.B.A.
- Jonathan Abejuela, involved in business.
- Dan Calkins, with a career at Benjamin Moore & Co.
- Mark Schwendau, a technology guru.
- Harlan Teller, who revamped the university's branding.
- Robert Rothkopf, involved in business.
- Karli Jedlicka, with an M.B.A.
- Kiran Palla, with an M.B.A.
- Farrah Ali, with an M.B.A.
- English, financial consulting company.
- Gridley, career by thinking big for entities like Amoco Corp.
Education
The NIU College of Education has produced numerous educators who have made a significant impact on the field.
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- Daron Brown, M.S.Ed.
- Joshua Barron, Ed.S., Ed.D.
- Dina Bach, M.S.Ed.
- James Rowe, M.S.Ed.
- Michael Zawacke, M.S.Ed.
- Mary Kay Morrison, M.S.Ed.
- Tom Gregory, M.S.Ed.
- Byoung-chul Min, M.S.Ed., Ed.D.
- Roger Kalisiak, M.S.Ed.
- Jeff Thompson, M.S.
- Michelle Rothmeyer, M.S.Ed., Ed.D.
- Matthew Zediker, M.S.Ed., Ed.S.
- Rachael Mahmood, Ed.D.
- Cary Groth, M.S.Ed.
- Tonya Davis, M.S.Ed., Ph.D.
- Dawn Brown, PT, DPT, Ed.D.
- Stacy Kelly, Ed.D.
- Jim Griesemer, M.A.
- Jenifer Montag, M.A., Ed.D.
- Tracy Morris, M.S.Ed., Ed.D.
- Kevin Stromberg, M.S.Ed.
- Lisa Richardson, Ed. D.
- Kayte Hamel, M.A., Ed.D.
- Tia Robinson Cooper, Ed.D.
- Betty Trummel, M.S.Ed.
- Willie J. Greer Kimmons, M. S. Ed., Ed. D.
- Treveda Redmond, M.S.Ed., E.S.
- Emma Baumert, M.S.Ed.
- Chuck Morgan, M.S.Ed.
- Marlon Haywood, M.S.Ed.
- Jack Tierney, M.S.Ed.
- Mark Pienkos, M.S.Ed.
- Gavin Engel, counselor.
- Karla Vilchez-Neal, Ed. D.
- Amy Buhrow, M.S.Ed.
- Monique Bernoudy, M.S.Ed.
- Anne Hardy, M.S.
- Aldo Rodriguez, Ph.D.
- Ann E. Rondeau, Ed.D.
- Mary Margaret Sharp-Pucci, Ed.D.
- Christine J. Sobek, Ed.D.
- John J. "Ski" Sygielski, Ed.D.
- Darrylinn Todd, Ed.D.
- Maria Walther, Ed.D.
- Juan Andrade Jr., Ed.S. and Ed.D.
- Bibi Belford, M.S.Ed.
- Maddi Bodine, M.S.Ed.
- Bernard Bull, Ed.D.
- Denise Bunning, M.S.Ed.
- Robert English, Ed.D.
- Cary S. Groth, B.S.Ed. and M.S.Ed.
- Tui Harned, M.S.Ed.
- Ehren Jarrett, M.S.Ed.
- Anthony L. Kambich and Carolyn A. Kambich, B.S.Ed.
- Cynthia Latimer, M.S.Ed.
- Gina Nassivera, M.S.Ed.
- Malcolm Neely, M.S.
- Natalie Page, Ed.D.
- James B. Pick, M.S.Ed.
- Edward "Ted" Raspiller, Ed.D.
- William Renwick Speer, M.S.Ed.
- Alfred Tatum, B.S.Ed.
- William (Bill) Tessendorf, B.S.Ed.
Athletics
NIU has a proud athletic tradition, with many alumni achieving success in professional sports.
- Michael Turner, a former professional football running back who played in the NFL, was a two-time All-Pro and a two-time Pro Bowl selection.
- P. J. Fleck, an American football coach and former wide receiver, has served as the head coach for the Minnesota Golden Gophers football team since 2017.
- Abdel Nader, a professional basketball player.
- Fritz Peterson, a baseball player.
- Kenny Battle, a basketball player.
Other notable athletes include:
- Larry Brink, NFL player.
- Brad Cieslak, NFL player.
- Ryan Diem, NFL player.
- Larry English, NFL player.
- Doug Free, NFL player.
- Thomas Hammock, NFL player.
- Chandler Harnish, NFL player.
- Duane Hawthorne, NFL player.
- Darrell Hill, NFL player.
- Sam Hurd, NFL player.
- LeShon Johnson, NFL player.
- Justin McCareins, NFL player.
- Rashaan Melvin, NFL player.
- Jake Nordin, NFL player.
- Patricia Palinkas, NFL player.
- Nathan Palmer, NFL player.
- Todd Peat, NFL player.
- David Petway, NFL player.
- Chad Spann, NFL player.
- John Spilis, NFL player.
- Hollis Thomas, NFL player.
- Tim Tyrrell, NFL player.
- Jimmie Ward, NFL player.
- Scott Wedige, NFL player.
- Tom Wittum, NFL player.
- Garrett Wolfe, NFL player.
- Tom Tennant, MLB player.
- Larry Young, athlete.
- Jim Bradley, basketball player.
- Paul Dawkins, basketball player.
- Billy Harris, basketball player.
- Xavier Silas, basketball player.
- Donald Whiteside, basketball player.
- Bob Wood, basketball player.
- Curtis Blaydes, athlete.
- Ken Henry, athlete.
- Terry Martin, athlete.
Other Fields
NIU alumni have also made significant contributions in various other fields.
- Christopher Schneider, academic.
- Paul Sereno, paleontologist.
- Bharath Sriraman, academic editor.
- Judith Curry, climatologist.
- Jose Manuel âChelâ Diokno, lawyer.
- Thomas Lindsay, academic.
- Timothy P. Marshall, scientist.
- Professor Thomas J. Near, academic.
- Michael K. Honey, academic.
- Gregg Schlanger, academic.
- Robert Dassie, writer, actor, producer.
- Dalton Tanonaka, journalist and television executive.
- Maria Kanellis, professional wrestler, podcaster, model.
- Markos Moulitsas, founder of the Daily Kos blog.
- Ned Colletti, sports executive.
- John Sall, businessman.
- Willard Wirtz, attorney, law professor.
- Samantha Irby, writer.
- Beau Wangtrakuldee, scientist.
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