Notable Alumni of Northern Illinois University
Northern Illinois University (NIU) has produced a diverse and accomplished array of alumni who have made significant contributions across various fields, including politics, entertainment, sports, education, and business. This article highlights some of the most notable graduates and former students who have left their mark on the world.
University Presidents
NIU has been led by a number of presidents throughout its history. These include:
- John Williston Cook
- J. Stanley Brown
- J. Clifton Brown
- Karl L. Adams
- Leslie A. Holmes
- Rhoten A. Smith
- Richard J. Nelson
- William R. Monat
- Clyde J. Wingfield
- John E. La Tourette
- John G. Peters
- Doug Baker
- Lisa C. Freeman
Politics and Government
NIU has a strong tradition of producing leaders in the political arena, both in the United States and internationally. These alumni have served in various capacities, shaping policy and representing their constituents.
Tammy Duckworth: An American politician and retired Army National Guard lieutenant colonel, Duckworth has served as the junior United States Senator from Illinois since 2017. Before her election to the Senate, she represented Illinois's 8th congressional district in the United States House of Representatives from 2013 to 2017.
Anies Baswedan: An Indonesian academic, activist, and politician, Baswedan served as the Governor of Jakarta from 2017 to 2022. He was also the Minister of Education and Culture of Indonesia and the founder of Indonesia Mengajar, a program that trains university graduates for teaching missions across the country.
Read also: Northern Kentucky Basketball
Dennis Hastert: A former politician, teacher, and wrestling coach, Hastert represented Illinois's 14th congressional district from 1987 to 2007. He served as the 51st Speaker of the United States House of Representatives from 1999 to 2007, becoming the longest-serving Republican Speaker of the House in history.
Robin Kelly: Kelly has served as the U.S. Representative from Illinois's 2nd congressional district since 2013. She previously served in the Illinois House of Representatives and as chief of staff for the Illinois State Treasurer.
Don Bacon: Bacon has been a U.S. Representative for Nebraska's 2nd congressional district since 2017. He is a retired United States Air Force officer, retiring as brigadier general.
Doris Karpiel: A Republican member of the Illinois Senate from 1984-2003. Served in the Illinois House of Representatives from 1979-1984.
Tom Rooney: Republican member of the Illinois Senate appointed in 2016.
Read also: The Story of UNI Panthers Football
Markos Moulitsas: The founder and publisher of Daily Kos, a blog focusing on liberal and Democratic Party politics in the United States.
Willard Wirtz: Served as the Secretary of Labor between 1962 and 1969 under Presidents John F. Kennedy and Lyndon B. Johnson.
Arts and Entertainment
NIU's alumni have made significant contributions to the world of arts and entertainment, excelling as actors, writers, directors, and musicians.
Robert Zemeckis: An acclaimed American filmmaker known for directing and producing a range of successful and influential movies, often blending cutting-edge visual effects with storytelling.
Joan Allen: An American actress known for her work on stage and screen. She has received a Tony Award and nominations for three Academy Awards, a BAFTA Award, three Primetime Emmy Awards, and three Golden Globe Awards.
Read also: Northern Arizona University Tuition
Kurt Sutter: An American screenwriter, director, producer, and actor, Sutter is the creator of Sons of Anarchy and its spinoff Mayans M.C. He also worked on The Shield.
Dan Castellaneta: Best known for voicing Homer Simpson on the animated series The Simpsons, as well as other characters on the show.
Wood Harris: An American actor known for his roles in Above the Rim, Remember the Titans, and The Wire.
Maria Kanellis-Bennett: An American professional wrestler, manager, promoter, singer, and model.
Matt Walsh: An American comedian and actor best known for his role as Mike McLintock in Veep. He is a founding member of the Upright Citizens Brigade sketch comedy troupe.
Carrie Snodgress: An American actress best remembered for her role in the film Diary of a Mad Housewife.
Cindy Morgan: An American actress known for playing Lora/Yori in Tron and Lacey Underall in Caddyshack.
Charlotte Kate Fox: An American film, TV, and theatrical actress and musician.
Samantha Irby: An American comedian, essayist, blogger, and television writer. She is the creator and author of the blog bitches gotta eat.
Athletics
NIU's athletic program has produced numerous athletes who have gone on to achieve success at the professional level.
Michael Turner: A former professional football running back who played in the National Football League (NFL).
P. J. Fleck: An American football coach and former wide receiver, currently the head coach for the Minnesota Golden Gophers football team.
Abdel Nader: An Egyptian-American professional basketball player.
Fritz Peterson: A former professional baseball pitcher who played in Major League Baseball (MLB).
Tim Gullikson: A tennis player and coach.
Larry English: Former NFL Linebacker; Co-Founder and Chairman of the Board, The Larry English L.E.A.D.
Other notable athletes include:
- Todd Peat: NFL guard for St.
- Tim Tyrrell: NFL running back for Atlanta Falcons, St.
- Tom Tennant: MLB player with the St.
- Brad Bradley: Wrestler.
- Kenny Battle: Basketball player.
- Jim Bradley: Basketball player.
- Paul Dawkins: Basketball player.
- Billy Harris: Basketball player.
- Xavier Silas: Basketball player.
- Donald Whiteside: Basketball player.
- Bob Wood: Basketball player.
- Aimee Boorman: Gymnastics coach.
- Ken Henry: Speed skater.
- Terry Martin: Boxer.
Academia and Science
NIU alumni have also made significant contributions to academia and scientific research.
Judith Curry: An American climatologist and former chair of the School of Earth and Atmospheric Sciences at the Georgia Institute of Technology.
Paul Sereno: A professor of paleontology at the University of Chicago who has discovered several new dinosaur species on several continents.
Thomas J. Near: Professor.
Bharath Sriraman: Academic editor, professor of mathematics at The University of Montana.
Business and Other Fields
NIU alumni have found success in various other fields, including business, journalism, and public service.
John Sall: An American billionaire businessman and computer software developer, who co-founded SAS Institute.
Ned Colletti: An American sports executive with 40 years of experience in Major League Baseball.
Dalton Tanonaka: Journalist and television executive.
Jerry B. Kurz: Commissioner of the Arena Football League.
Panitan Wattanayagorn: A Thai political scientist and an associate professor in the Faculty of Political Science, Chulalongkorn University.
NIU College of Education Alumni
The NIU College of Education has produced numerous influential educators and leaders who have made a positive impact on countless lives.
- Sarah Knight Adamson
- Juan Andrade Jr.
- Bibi Belford
- Maddi Bodine
- Bernard Bull
- Denise Bunning
- Robert English
- P.J. Fleck
- Daniel L. Goodwin
- Cary S. Groth
- Tui Harned
- Ehren Jarrett
- Anthony L. Kambich
- Carolyn A. Kambich
- Cynthia Latimer
- Byoung-chul Min
- Gina Nassivera
- Malcolm Neely
- Natalie Page
- James B. Pick
- Edward "Ted" Raspiller
- Aldo Rodriguez
- Ann E. Rondeau
- Mary Margaret Sharp-Pucci
- Christine J. Sobek
- William Renwick Speer
- John J. "Ski" Sygielski
- Alfred Tatum
- William (Bill) Tessendorf
- Darrylinn Todd
- Betty Trummel
- Maria Walther
tags: #northern #illinois #university #notable #alumni
