This is a story about a group of Huskie women’s soccer alumni rallying around one of their teammates despite a great geographical distance and a decade away from their time at NIU.

It’s a story about Amy Carr, ’14, a former NIU soccer star who is undergoing a fierce battle against an unrelenting and nasty opponent, and is doing it with dignity, strength and that trademark Huskie grit.

Before Carr graduated from NIU, she suffered a seizure that was innocently thought of as brought on by an extreme fear of spiders. But nearly two years later, after further seizures, she was diagnosed with a golf ball-sized glioblastoma tumor in her brain.

In July 2015, two surgical specialists conducted a 10-hour-long surgery to remove the tumor. This was followed by 12 days in the hospital, six weeks of radiotherapy and six months of chemotherapy.

For nine years, Carr was able to live her life essentially cancer-free, but in December of 2024, doctors informed her that her cancer had returned.

This past summer, after exploring treatment options, Carr was given a prognosis of between six and nine months to live. Carr, fueled by her fierce Huskie determination, is not going down without a fight.

“I, as always, aim to defy the odds,” she said. “I’ve arranged my finances and donated my brain for research. I’ve treated my family and friends to surprise trips. I’m in the process of arranging my funeral and wake for which I’ve asked the NIU girls for their funny stories of our time at Northern together, and they’ve not disappointed.”

The NIU girls. Her teammates from her days playing for the NIU Women’s Soccer team. They have been in Carr’s corner for the duration of her battle.

“There is a core group of us that played with Amy who sent her a care package when we found out that she had another tumor; don’t worry, we included some NIU gear in there,” said teammate Mo Smunt, ’11. “We have sent her videos, messages, and have set up Zoom meetings to show our support. We just want Amy to know how much we love her and that we are here for her, even if it is from far away.”

Smunt said the most recent Zoom gathering included around 20 teammates from around the world to be there for Carr, who lives in England.

“People made it happen because of the impact Amy had on each of our lives,” she said. “Amy lives with love and laughter, and it is contagious. Things haven’t been easy, but Amy has been a bright light to everyone around her through it all. She has been there for all of us, so the least that we can do is be there for her.”

Meeting Amy

Smunt was a senior when she met Carr.

“I was one of the captains and she was one of the 11 freshmen,” Smunt said. “My first impressions: a thick English accent that I could barely understand, sarcastic, funny, competitive and a stud in goal. She ended up being the starting goalkeeper as a freshman.”

Courtney Ksiazek, ’14, was impressed with Carr’s ambition.

“It was evident Amy was a great competitor and achieved a lot with her various teams before coming to NIU,” she said. “She definitely elevated the game by having her on the field. She is also such an ambitious person, coming to school so far away from home. Looking back, I don’t think I could have done that at such a young age! But she was into hanging with friends and our teammates and building close friendships off the field.”

Like Ksiazek, Cori Frankenberg, ’14, met Carr as a fellow freshman joining the soccer team.

“We went through our first intense preseason together,” Frankenberg recalled. “Amy set the tone right off the bat on how to lead by example and what hard work looks like. She had this beautiful ability back in college to royally push you while still remaining so damn loveable!”

When Shelbi Vergauwen, ’13, first met Carr, she noticed the freshman’s work ethic, and her sense of humor.

“She showed up ready to work, which for a freshman said a lot,” Vergauwen said. “She came in hungry to earn a spot on the field. She was good at motivating others, but led with her presence rather than being loud. She also had us all laughing from the get-go with her accent and what she would call basic things in America, such as a shopping cart, also known as a trolley.”

Haley Cummings, ’16, M.S. ’18, said Carr is “the toughest person I know and has always been tenacious and a go-getter.”

“She graduated after my freshman year but stayed on as a coach for a bit,” Cummings said. “She was always pushing me to get more fit, work harder, and be the best version of myself I could be on and off the field. I appreciated her support, and I was lucky enough to get to see her play soccer professionally in Norway, where she took that same attitude.”

From the UK to NIU

Carr was born in St Albans and raised in Hemel Hempstead, both cities north of London.

She played soccer for many years in youth and teen leagues before coming to the U.S. to play at NIU. This included representing England in the U-17 Women’s National Team, playing in Holland, Georgia, Switzerland, and the Czech Republic for the European Championships, followed by six weeks in New Zealand at the 2008 FIFA U-17 Women’s World Cup. For the U-19 Women’s National Team, she played in Slovenia for the 2009 U-19 European qualifiers,

The following year, she began at NIU after choosing the Huskies over the University of South Florida. She had actually planned to play at Ole Miss, but the team’s goalkeeper decided to stay on, she said. She was recruited to NIU by Carrie Barker, who coached her during her first two seasons. John Ross coached the team during her final two years.

Carr was impressed by NIU’s facilities and the way the players were treated.

“I loved the way we were treated as student-athletes,” she said. “That was new to me. We had facilities that professional athletes could only dream of in the UK.”

While it was a challenge for her teammates to get used to her different playing style and terminology, they made her feel right at home, she said.

“During my international career, I learned a lot about how to take charge of not just my defense, but the entire team in terms of shape, style, movement with and without the ball,” she said. “It was a way for me to stay in the game even when the opposition goalkeeper had the ball. Slowly the team got my language and terminology, although it did take a while with some girls turning and asking, ‘What does that even mean?’”

Following her graduation, she continued to play soccer, signing on to the Idrettslaget Sandviken soccer club in Norway. She credits an NIU coach for helping her with that journey.

“Post-NIU I knew I wanted to play at least another year abroad,” she said. “I explored Australia and Europe. Connor McKee, John Ross’s goalkeeper coach, helped me with my highlights at NIU, and I sent it out to literally every coach I could get email addresses for, Sandviken being one of them.”

Seizures, Then a Diagnosis

It was during her time at NIU, at home in England on break in May 2013, when Carr first exhibited signs that something was not quite right with her health.

“I’m petrified of spiders, so I called my Mum to come to get a big black one out of my bathroom while I retreated to my bedroom,” she said. “Next thing I saw was paramedics standing over me. Long story short, I had no follow-up diagnostic testing, as I thought it was just a severe fear of spiders.”

She played her senior year without any issues, but eighteen months after that first seizure, she had another incident where she lost consciousness, this time while in Illinois visiting friends and planning to visit Nebraska to join a team as a goalkeeper coach.

In February 2015, she had a third seizure and requested an MRI scan.

A Quiet But Strong Leader

Her fellow Huskies are inspired by Carr’s strength and ability to continue to thrive, despite her challenges.

“Amy embodies what it means to be resilient,” Frankenberg said. “She continuously strives to not only better herself, but those lucky to know her. Her strength, accompanied by her humorous candor, is a captivating combination. There is simply no one like The Amy Carr.”

Vergauwen described Carr as having a strong, yet quiet presence that is uniquely hers.

“She inspires me to listen more and take note of those who are quieter,” she said. “When she was first diagnosed years ago, she beat the odds. I think that’s because of her competitive side; she’s always a fighter but never lets it get her down. You hear people say that about others going through a tough time, but for her, she really takes it head-on.”

Like Vergauwen, Smunt said Carr wasn’t the loudest on the team, but she inspires others through her own actions.

“Once she has a goal, she is very dedicated and committed,” Smunt said. “After she had her first brain tumor removed, she recovered and worked her butt off in the gym. She started doing marathons and triathlons. She has raised a lot of money for brain tumor research through marathon fundraising as well as friendly soccer matches with other professional women’s soccer players.”

Ksiazek said, “Amy is inspiring because she doesn’t see limitations. She fights harder for what she cares about more than anyone else. Her deeply rooted commitments to herself have made her achieve such great things.”

Lifting Up Others

While at NIU, Carr would typically go back home to England during winter and summer breaks. However, in 2012, she volunteered one summer in Cape Town, South Africa, at a school for underprivileged children where she taught students English and physical education.

“Their outlook on life was eye-opening and refreshing,” she said. “I was able to bring Huddersfield Town A.F.C. shirts out for 15 of them, and they didn’t have a clue who or even where Huddersfield was, but it didn’t stop them kissing the badge and getting so excited at their new shirts.”

Following her initial round of cancer treatments in 2015, as is true to her spirit, Carr was inspired to help others.

“The combination of therapies was at best ‘not pleasant,’” she said. “I made it my goal to not let anyone else go through what I had.”

So, Carr earned her personal training certification and, by 2018, had earned a cancer rehabilitation qualification.

“I can now proudly say that I’ve helped a fair number of people who’ve been unfortunate enough to find themselves in a similar position to me,” she said.

Carr has also raised around $28,000 supporting brain cancer research by completing three half-marathons, 13 triathlons, one half Ironman, hosting a charity soccer match and completing five marathons in different parts of the United Kingdom.

“Not too bad for a goalkeeper who couldn’t run a mile,” she joked.

After Carr learned her cancer had returned last December, her Huskie grit and determination raised their stubborn head again.

“I hadn’t completed my last marathon,” she said. “So, I just about managed to train for it. I couldn’t control myself, so I had to run headfirst into bushes or wrap myself around lamp posts, and I fell over twice as I was shuffling rather than running. But I did it easily. Six days later, I even completed my first and last Tough Mudder event.”

Frankenberg says others can learn from Carr’s resilience.

“If there is anything people can learn from Amy, it’s how to find the light through any storm,” she said. “Cherishing your time with loved ones is something she’s always done, and a humbling reminder for us who may forget to live in the moment. There is an army of support around her, one that was built by the joy she has instilled in others – something that is worth aspiring to.”

Carr is taking it day by day, visiting with friends and family, and traveling, recently preparing to go on a cruise to Italy.

“It’s the one place I’ve never been to; it’s been on my bucket list for years,” she said. “After that, who knows?”

Amy Carr’s fight is a powerful reminder of the strength within every Huskie. To help inspire discovery and empower student success at NIU, visit niuforward.com.

When Nicolaus “Nico” Harjanto, Ph.D. ’10, special staff to the Vice President of the Republic of Indonesia, first stepped onto NIU’s campus, he was struck by a quiet but powerful affirmation—his undergraduate thesis on Indonesian politics was sitting on a library shelf in the Southeast Asia section of Founders Memorial Library.

That moment, paired with a doctoral assistantship and a welcoming academic community, sealed his decision to pursue a Ph.D. in political science at NIU.

Harjanto had already earned a master’s degree in political science from Ohio University, but NIU’s dedicated Southeast Asian studies program—and its renowned faculty—offered something more.

“I knew there were several big names in the academic field of Southeast Asian politics at NIU,” he said. “When I met Professor Dwight King, he gave me a campus tour. He was so friendly, so helpful, and we started to build a mutual trust very quickly.”

King, who died in 2015, was a member of the NIU faculty for 32 years and was internationally known in academic and governmental arenas as a scholar and expert on Indonesia. He served as director of the Department of Political Science’s graduate studies program and as director of the Center for Southeast Asian Studies.

Immersed in Community, Grounded in Purpose

During his seven-year journey at NIU, Harjanto immersed himself in campus life. He said he “quickly drank the water from the Kishwaukee River,” a lighthearted way of saying he embraced NIU. Far from his Jakarta home, he found family among faculty and friends, playing badminton, attending church, and spending long nights at the Junction Eating Place, drawn by its 24-hour access and bottomless coffee.

NIU offered more than comfort and camaraderie. Its academic rigor, faculty and mentorship shaped Harjanto’s commitment to strengthening democracy in Indonesia. After earning his Ph.D. and returning home, the lessons learned at NIU became the foundation for applying research to real-world politics.

From Research to Real-World Impact

In 2011, as Jakarta’s provincial election approached, Joko Widodo (widely referred to as Jokowi) was preparing to challenge incumbent governor Fauzi Bowo, who had strong backing; Jokowi’s odds were slim. Harjanto applied the qualitative and quantitative methodologies he had mastered at NIU to conduct surveys and analyze data, assessing voter sentiment and identifying strategic opportunities. Working through a research initiative he was beginning to shape—one that would later evolve into a formal institute—Harjanto said the findings helped shift the narrative, convincing business leaders and voters that Jokowi had a viable path to victory. In 2012, Jokowi won.

Following the election, in June 2012, Harjanto formally launched the Populi Center, a non-profit research institute focused on public opinion and policy studies. At the time, he noted that Indonesia’s political landscape was flooded with unreliable political consultants who manipulated data to sway public opinion. He hoped to help foster a more transparent and informed democratic process.

When Jokowi pursued the presidency in 2014, Harjanto again played a role, crafting a political roadmap using data-driven insights to identify key societal segments and public sentiments that Jokowi needed to engage. Jokowi won as the first Indonesian president who was not from the political or military elite.

Harjanto credits his methodology and rigorous quality control with earning the trust of the business community, which needed updated insights into the political landscape to make more informed decisions about allocating political donations.

“Elections are very costly,” he said. “They [candidates] will ask businesses for financial support. Many businesses feel compelled to contribute, concerned about the potential consequences of declining support for a candidate who ultimately wins.”

Through the Populi Center, Harjanto also aims to make democracy less costly.

“Maybe in the past there were three or four candidates, and you had to give to each, but if you have good data about political preference, you know who is likely to win,” he said. “You know the trend, so just give more to one [candidate]. We can also convince the other candidates that they don’t have a chance to win, and not waste resources on a losing effort. Of course, if we know there is one very good candidate, we can ask the political donors and voters to support the best candidate based on our political preference data. In the Populi Center, we want to uphold and voice public preferences, including those of the silent majority.”

Guided by Integrity

Today, in addition to his role as chairman of the Populi Center, Harjanto serves as a special staff to the Vice President of the Republic of Indonesia, Gibran Rakabuming Raka.

“The role of special staff is to assist the Vice President to fulfill his duty,” Harjanto said. “It could be anything related to monitoring and evaluating government priority programs, proposing new initiatives or assisting with the delivery of the VP’s social assistance.”

His role is flexible and fast-paced, allowing him to respond to urgent issues or questions outside the constraints of bureaucracy. He is one of a handful of appointed special staff members who help gather timely information when the Vice President needs it the most.

Previously, Harjanto held roles as commissioner for PT Bank Rakyat Indonesia and PT Mineral Industri Indonesia, and as special staff for political communication and institutions to the Minister of State Secretariat of the Republic of Indonesia. Throughout his career, he has drawn on the wisdom of NIU mentors—Professors King, Daniel “Danny” Unger, Gregory Schmidt and Irene Rubin—whose teachings on integrity continue to guide him.

“We have to walk the talk,” Harjanto said. “My position requires mutual trust. We have to be as genuine as possible at all levels, regardless of our education, degree, or political networks.”

Giving Back to Move Forward

In gratitude, Harjanto contributes to the Dwight Y. King Endowment in the Center for Southeast Asian Studies, which supports NIU graduate students who are pursuing substantial study or research related to Indonesia.

“I believe in the cycle of life,” he said. “There was a time when I received a lot from NIU—an assistantship and support from the Center—so this is a time for me to give back with my ability, my capacity.”

He remembers Professor King as humble and wise, often sharing lessons through stories rather than direct advice.

“From those stories, I saw the importance of developing the values of respect, being on time, being modest and being a good listener. I think one time he said, ‘A good leader is a good listener.’”

Harjanto hopes the Center for Southeast Asian Studies will continue to produce quality scholars, expanding its reach across Southeast Asia and bringing new energy to regional democracies. Still, he believes the Center’s reputation has already left a lasting mark on Indonesia’s political development.

“In the late 90s, after the fall of the authoritarian regime, there were so many political scientists who graduated from NIU in Indonesia,” he said. “They became part of the government teams that formulated political party laws, election laws, and legislative frameworks.”

From a thesis on a library shelf to helping shape Indonesia’s democratic future, Harjanto is part of that legacy. Through his public service, research, and support of the Dwight Y. King Endowment, he is helping ensure that NIU’s impact continues to echo across Southeast Asia.

To help inspire discovery and empower student success at NIU, visit niuforward.com.

Meghan I. Huntoon, Ph.D. ’17, grew and matured during her time at NIU, learning that failure is a part of the process.

“NIU truly cultivated my growth mindset, and it has changed my life,” she said. “My Ph.D program allowed me to challenge myself daily, try difficult projects, and take on as much as I wanted to grow my skills. I am so thankful that my professors allowed me to try, fail, try again, sometimes many times, before achieving success.”

Huntoon has found tremendous success in the field of psychology research as well as in her stellar record of service in the U.S. military, helping to build a more equitable force.

In addition to her Ph.D. in social and industrial organizational psychology from NIU, Huntoon earned two NIU graduate certificates, in advanced quantitative methods in education and in advanced study in women’s and gender studies. She also earned a B.A. in psychology and an M.S. in psychological science from Montana State University.

Huntoon currently serves as a research psychologist for the Department of Defense, working as evaluation and assessment portfolio manager for the department’s Skillbridge Program. The program is an opportunity for service members to gain valuable civilian work experience through specific industry training, apprenticeships or internships during their last 180 days of service.

As part of the position, Huntoon conducts scientific research to develop and maintain evaluation and assessment of the program across Department of Defense services and components.

Huntoon’s service and research has been recognized for the positive impact it has had on Army leadership. She has delivered many briefings to general officers across the Army on the status of Army leadership and has provided data-informed recommendations for creating more effective leaders across the Army.

For her service in the military and her exceptional research work in the field of psychology, Huntoon has earned the 2025 NIU Alumni Association Outstanding Young Alumna Award.

Prior to joining the Department of Defense, Huntoon was a research psychologist in the U.S. Army at the Army Research Institute for the Behavioral and Social Sciences at Fort Belvoir, Virginia. There, she was a member of the Foundational Science Research Unit’s Basic Research Team.

An impactful faculty member for Huntoon at NIU was former Department of Psychology Chair Amanda M. Durik, Ph.D, who served as her graduate advisor.

“Dr. Durik truly molded the way I think about research, learning and life in general,” she said. “She is a role model for the researcher I want to be, and her guidance shaped my professional goals and path in so many ways.”

She recalled Durik never giving up on her.

“I recall rewriting one paper eight times before it was finally published,” Huntoon said. “With each rejection, my advisor never suggested that I give up. She was always willing to review drafts and brainstorm new ideas. Experiences like that one taught me tenacity, and that tenacity has changed my life.”

After finishing her NIU degree, Huntoon joined the U.S. Army Reserves. She currently serves as adjutant general officer for the Reserves’ 103rd Expeditionary Sustainment Command.

“The tenacity I developed at NIU allowed me to push through all the difficulties of becoming an Army officer and a research psychologist for the Department of Defense,” she said. “The skills and mindset I forged at NIU supported my success in my career and personal goals.”

Huntoon has taught classes in psychology at NIU, as well as at Waubonsee Community College and Montgomery College in Maryland.

“NIU gave me the opportunity to teach undergraduate classes and mentor undergraduate researchers, which fueled my love of helping others to grow their knowledge and skills,” she said. “I continue to love teaching and mentoring soldiers. My legacy is the students, soldiers and people I have had the chance to connect with in learning spaces.”

Mouneer Ahmad, ’96, learned at NIU that success is built on relationships, resilience and integrity. Today, these same principles continue to guide his leadership as Deputy Associate Director at the Federal Reserve Board and as CEO of the Masna Corporation.

“I lead by example and share the moments I have failed, because rising and overcoming those failures have led to my greatest personal and professional successes,” he said.

Ahmad earned a B.S. in finance from NIU and an M.B.A. from the Wharton School of the University of Pennsylvania.

In recognition of his distinguished career spanning consulting, public service and entrepreneurship, Ahmad has been named the NIU Alumni Association’s 2025 Distinguished Alumnus Award recipient.

Upon receiving news of this esteemed honor, Ahmad reflected on his journey, the people who shaped it, and the gratitude that accompanies such recognition.

“I’ve been blessed to have the opportunity to help strengthen companies, save American jobs, serve my country at the Fed, and launch a U.S. manufacturing firm—with a great family helping to keep me grounded and focused on our values,” he said.

“I’m deeply honored and humbled to receive this award,” Ahmad continued. “It’s been a journey with its share of ups and downs, and I am grateful for my time at NIU and for the many people whose trust and support made my career possible. Thank you to the NIU Alumni Association, my classmates, colleagues, and especially my parents, Ibrahim and Magda, who encouraged me, loved me, and made my NIU education possible. And to my wife, Ashley, and children, Sara and Noah, for always supporting my dreams. Thank you all.”

At the Federal Reserve Board of Governors, Ahmad works in cash (Federal Reserve notes) in the Reserve Bank’s Operations and Payment Systems Division. He supports the Banknote Design and Development and the Currency Education Programs, all in service of the Fed’s mission to protect the integrity of Federal Reserve notes. The Board collaborates with the Reserve Banks, the United States Department of the Treasury, the Treasury’s Bureau of Engraving and Printing, and the United States Secret Service to monitor counterfeiting threats for each denomination and to redesign notes to counter these threats.

As the president and CEO of Masna Corporation, Ahmad leads a global team focused on innovating travel goods with patented, ergonomic designs that protect and enhance the travel experience. He guided the company from concept to funding, built strategic partnerships with market leaders, and is preparing to launch its debut product by year’s end. Committed to delivering real value to customers, Ahmad shaped the company’s values around innovation and integrity.

Ahmad’s prior roles have spanned leadership positions in both public service and global consulting. At the Federal Reserve Bank of Cleveland, he served as senior vice president of operations, overseeing cash, facilities, law enforcement and the Cleveland National Cash Automation Group. As executive principal, he supported Federal Reserve Financial Services through a major organizational transformation. Before his public service, Ahmad held senior positions at two premier global consulting firms—Deloitte Consulting and Ernst & Young. Among his accomplishments, he guided clients through business transformations that drove growth and delivered savings. His specialization in global finance, technology, and mergers and acquisitions allowed him to make a positive impact in the manufacturing, pharmaceutical, consumer goods, financial services and technology industries.

Although his career is marked by notable titles and achievements, Ahmad remains grounded in service and community impact. He volunteers on the Cleveland Food Bank’s Operations Committee, where he’s reminded that compassion and service are essential to a fulfilling and balanced life. Yet, no role is more meaningful to him than being a father.

“The biggest lesson I have imparted to my kids is that of resilience,” Ahmad said. “When you reach for the stars, you will not always succeed. In fact, the higher you reach, the more likely and often you will fail. The key to success is to keep getting up.”

That lesson, Ahmad notes, was first cultivated during his time at NIU, where mentors helped shape his perspective.

“From my first day on campus, Dick Noreen of the Honors Program challenged me to expand my interests, have fun and give back,” he said. “He created a safe space and was always there with sage advice. He’s one of the reasons I believe in mentorship.”

Professors Ahmed Kamel Rifai, Ph.D., and Nessim Hanna, Ph.D., along with other College of Business faculty, laid the academic foundation for Ahmad’s future success. Meanwhile, campus involvement refined his social and leadership skills.

Through the professional fraternity Pi Sigma Epsilon, Ahmad gained real-world marketing experience and friendships. Sigma Alpha Epsilon taught him how to grow organizations and balance relationships with responsibility, eventually leading him to serve as co-head of the Greek Council at NIU.

As a student in the Honors Program, Ahmad found it to be more than just an academic endeavor—it was a launchpad for overall personal growth. Living in the Honors wing of Douglas Hall provided him with a built-in community, and the program’s retreat at Loredo Taft helped him establish a network of driven peers. By sophomore year, he was a counselor helping others do the same.

Ahmad fully embraced campus life—attending football games, leading charity drives, and growing in ways he never imagined.

“I worked hard and lived the full Huskie experience,” he said. “Dick Noreen reminded me that life is about balance, working toward the future while living in the moment. My friends and classmates made life exciting and helped me to appreciate people from all walks of life. I loved my time at NIU.”

But it was the life lessons Ahmad gained at NIU that truly shaped his path to success.

“Success is about what you do, how you do it, and who you have around you,” he said. “I learned to build relationships that helped me succeed—and recognize the ones that didn’t. The right people guided me, supported me, and encouraged me when I needed it.”

He also learned to expect the unexpected and to recognize when to ask for help.

“Nothing ever goes exactly to plan,” he said. “I learned to prepare early, ask for help, and keep going when things don’t work out. The key is to keep getting up. ‘Huskies Never Quit’—and with the Huskie pack by your side, you will walk forward together.”

Curtis Baryla, ’22, built a deep relationship with NIU.

“It’s more than just a place I passed through,” he said. “It’s a collection of experiences, people and memorable moments that helped shape who I am.”

While earning a bachelor’s degree in operations management and information systems, along with three minors in computer science, business innovation and entrepreneurship, and esports industry professions, Baryla was involved in student organizations and leadership roles on campus.

“I was fortunate to be the new member educator for Sigma Nu Fraternity, served the student body as an SGA chairman, and competed nationally with the Cyber Security Club,” Baryla said. “Being able to recognize the amount of personal development that I received outside of the classroom and how beneficial it was to my professional career is why I am extremely grateful as an alumnus.”

Baryla remains connected to his alma mater as an active alumni volunteer participating in career panels, mentoring students and supporting student organizations, especially those tied to business, technology and leadership. He is also the vice president of the Computer Sciences Alumni Network (CSAN).

“What inspired me to get involved was remembering how much of a difference it made when alumni took the time to share their experiences and advice with me as a student,” he said. “Some people volunteer out of benevolence; I view it as appreciation for the opportunities I was given as an undergraduate.”

Today, Baryla is a defense contractor for Booz Allen Hamilton, supporting fraud prevention and mitigation at the United States Postal Service, earning him a “Supplier Excellence Award.” In his role, he has hosted various events in Chicago, joined mentorship cohorts, and supported a $90 million U.S. Air Force bid and proposal. Early in his career, Baryla was a contributing member of a team recognized as a government-wide success story by the Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency (CISA) for their impactful work at the USDA.

“In addition to my fulfilling professional career, volunteering is incredibly rewarding,” Baryla said. “It allows me to stay connected with the university, grow my network, and give back in ways that fit my time and passions. Whether speaking at an event, mentoring a student, or helping organize an alumni activity, every contribution makes a meaningful impact.”

Baryla says volunteering at NIU is also a great reminder of where he started, and it’s his way of paying it forward.

“I often reflect on the experiences and people that helped get me to where I am today,” he said. “I’m grateful for the opportunities I’ve had, and I want to help current students navigate their own paths, just like others did for me. Staying involved allows me to give back to a community that had such a meaningful impact on my life and career.”

Baryla fondly remembers Professor Bart Sharp, Ph.D., and the impact of his course.

“He was my professor for MGMT 468, which was hands down the most intellectually engaging class I took at NIU,” Baryla said. “The course sharpened my strategic thinking by blending real-world applications with deep analysis. It pushed me to think critically and connect complex concepts to business scenarios.”

As a student, Baryla began traveling with friends and fellow Huskies. Now, with a shared passion for travel and enthusiasm to keep the tradition alive, Baryla, Jimmy Holmes, ’23, Raaif Majeed, ’23, and Zack Althoff, ’25, embark on an annual trip, visiting places like Thailand, the Netherlands, Belgium, Germany, and Switzerland. Their next stop: Colombia.

“During college, people may be captivated by academics, athletics, or student life, but it’s never solely those things that drive a lasting connection with your university,” Baryla said. “The emotional meaning behind those experiences — the memories, relationships and sense of purpose — creates a bond worth carrying forward. Giving back and creating a network of people who share my values and experiences is a way to honor that connection and keep it alive. I am committed to the Huskie community to ensure the traditions, opportunities and support systems that meant so much to us continue to grow for future generations.”

NIU alumni volunteer their time in meaningful ways. Want to brainstorm ways you can get involved? Contact Eric Glasby, ’15, M.S.Ed. ’18, at eglasby1@niu.edu.

For Brad Hoey, ’84, his 30-year career at Northern Illinois University was more than a profession; it was a deep commitment to the institution he loves.

For nearly two decades, Hoey was a recognizable voice of Huskie Athletics, informing fans during games as a public address announcer across seven sports and emceeing countless athletic events. Viewers of “Inside Huskie Sports” remember Hoey as the charismatic host of NIU’s sports magazine television program, which aired for 10 seasons. He held roles including director of media relations, director of internal communications and interim vice president for marketing and communications.

Before retiring from NIU in 2020, Hoey capped his tenure as director of the Huskie Varsity Club and Premium Experiences for NIU Athletics’ Huskie Athletic Fund, a role that drew on his NIU history and passion for the Huskie community.

Today, Hoey serves as special projects manager for the DeKalb County Convention and Visitors Bureau (DCCVB), and he was elected City Clerk for the City of DeKalb in April 2025.

“The DCCVB promotes and markets DeKalb County’s wonderful events, attractions, meeting spaces and hospitality businesses,” Hoey said. “My area of expertise is events and sports tourism, which allows me to remain connected with many of my former NIU colleagues and community leadership throughout the county and region. I tell people I’m failing at retirement and loving it!”

NIU colleagues refer to Hoey as “Mr. NIU”—a nickname that represents his involvement and loyalty.

“While the moniker was designated somewhat in jest, I embraced it with a smile and with pride,” Hoey said. “I love NIU.”

His enduring support and unwavering service to NIU and the DeKalb community are why Hoey is the 2025 recipient of the F.R. Geigle Service Award from the NIU Alumni Association.

Hoey’s contributions have earned him several other accolades, including the NIU Supportive Professional Staff Award (2006), the NIU College of Liberal Arts and Sciences Alumni Award (2024) and the City of DeKalb honored him with the “Key to the City” in 2022. In 2025, with his nearly three-decade involvement with the DeKalb Chamber of Commerce, he was inducted into its Hall of Fame and named the Chamber’s 2024 Ambassador of the Year.

Rooted in his community and civic involvement, Hoey is chair of the City of DeKalb’s Citizens’ Community Enhancement Commission and has been intimately involved in promoting and perpetuating the city’s public art initiatives. He is a member of the Family Service Agency’s board of directors and is involved in #ProudlyDeKalb, a collaborative effort to attract and retain residents and workers in DeKalb. In 2020, Hoey became a member of the newly formed DeKalb County UNITES group, which assisted local small businesses, business owners and employees with information and resources to navigate the economic challenges brought on by the COVID-19 pandemic. In 2021, he joined the DeKalb County Economic Development Corporation’s (DCEDC) Opportunity Unbound initiative as a marketing consultant.

Before working for the DCCVB, Hoey was a longtime member, including four years as the bureau’s board president from 2016 to 2020. During his tenure, he played a key role in bringing the Illinois High School Association (IHSA) Football State Championships to DeKalb, developing the IHSA Destination DeKalb brand and leading marketing efforts for the event.

Hoey’s community involvement began while he was a student at NIU, and that involvement significantly influenced his college experience. He was active on the Douglas Hall Council, the dorm in which he lived his first two years, and the Residence Hall Association. Joining the Sigma Chi Fraternity, Hoey became part of Greek life and, later, the Student Association (known now as the Student Government Association). He worked at the Holmes Student Center as a supervisor, also known as a “red coat,” due to the cardinal red sport jackets they wore.

“Campus and community involvement was something in which I pursued from the onset of my college journey,” Hoey said. “Being involved in numerous organizations at NIU exposed me to a diverse group of fellow students, faculty, university administration and alumni.”

Hoey was deeply influenced by Douglas Hall Director James Brunson; David Schumaun, his supervisor at the Holmes Student Center; the late communications professors Art Doederlein and Charlie Larson; and NIU’s eighth president, William Monat.

“James Brunson’s combination of discipline, tolerance and affability resonated with students like me who were navigating their academics, organizational involvement and social pursuits during our early years in college,” Hoey said. “Dave Schumaun helped me hone my work ethic and responsibility. Drs. Doederlein and Larson challenged us to expand our intellect by exploring knowledge and experiences beyond our textbooks and the classroom.”

Hoey’s involvement in student government and his job at the Holmes Student Center provided the opportunity to engage with university leadership more frequently than most students.

“President Monat knew me by name. He usually asked how my classes were going, and advised me on striking a balance between school, work and extracurricular activities,” Hoey said. “Bill was a great, respected leader who cared deeply about NIU students and the local community, much like our current president, Lisa Freeman.”

Throughout his NIU years, Hoey encouraged students to get involved, explore and volunteer—believing that embracing campus life would reward them as it had rewarded him.

Upholding the values of Huskie pride, he remains faithfully rooted in every place he has served, nurturing growth and staying connected.

When Kellie O’Connell, ’98, stood inside Wrigley Field in the early days of the pandemic, she wasn’t watching a game—she was helping feed thousands of people. As CEO of Nourishing Hope, she helped transform the stadium into a lifeline overnight.

For O’Connell, it was a defining moment in a career built on community and a deep commitment to service.

“The power of community is reaffirmed in times of crisis,” she said. “This was one of my proudest moments of my entire career. In partnership with the Chicago Cubs, we turned the iconic Wrigley Field into a food pantry—literally overnight—by harnessing the strength of our community.”

O’Connell led Nourishing Hope for over nine years before stepping into her current role as CEO of the American Red Cross of Illinois. Prior to that, she held leadership positions across the nonprofit sector, including senior vice president, strategic planning and public affairs at the Chicago Housing Authority.

O’Connell has spent her life building, nurturing and leading communities. From her formative years in the Catholic community to her time at NIU, where she found purpose and belonging through the Newman Catholic Center’s student ministry, her path has been guided by the desire to work alongside strong communities.

A Compassionate Commitment

O’Connell brought her belief in community and service to a new challenge when she joined the American Red Cross of Illinois in February 2025. She quickly gained a deeper understanding of the organization’s vast scope—and the essential role volunteers and communities play in its mission.

“People often think of the Red Cross for two things,” O’Connell said. “Either disaster response, like after a big hurricane, wildfire or tornado, or blood drives. While both are true—in fact, the Red Cross provides 40 percent of the nation’s blood supply—in Illinois, a lot of our disasters are home fires or multi-family dwelling fires.”

According to O’Connell, volunteers make up roughly 90 percent of the Red Cross of Illinois’ workforce and are usually the first to respond when families are displaced.

“Day and night they comfort families—often on the curb—and help them figure out what’s next,” she said. “Red Cross volunteers are the support system after the fire department leaves.”

She continued, “Our mission is to prevent and alleviate human suffering in the face of emergencies by mobilizing the power of volunteers and the generosity of donors. In addition to helping people recover and rebuild their lives after a disaster, we also do a lot of preparedness work.”

Preparing individuals and communities involves providing first aid and CPR training, forming partnerships with local organizations and churches, and implementing a home fire safety campaign that includes installing free smoke alarms and offering youth programming.

Beyond disaster response and preparedness, the Red Cross also supports members of the military—from enlistment to veteran status.

“For example, if a service member experiences a family emergency, such as illness or death, the Red Cross helps ensure they can return home—sometimes even traveling with them,” O’Connell said.

As CEO, O’Connell’s work centers on running the business, securing philanthropic support, and engaging donors and volunteers to sustain critical services.

“I honor the donor dollar and help us lead with integrity,” she said. “Being able to work with thousands of humanitarians in Illinois and across the country is incredibly rewarding. When you think of nonprofits, you think of the Red Cross brand. It’s such a symbol of hope.”

Early Lessons in Service

O’Connell’s values were shaped early on by the example of her parents. Her father held various roles in county and state government, including administrative work for Cook County, and her mother built a career in the central office of the Chicago Public School District before supporting Head Start programs in Northwest Indiana.

Growing up on Chicago’s west and south sides, O’Connell was immersed in the values of the Catholic community. Attending Mother McAuley High School, she participated in service projects and served on the Archdiocesan Youth Council, where her interest in social justice and mission work was sparked.

“I was raised in an environment that was always thinking about how we can serve our community and what we are called to do as humans in the world, and in our city,” she said. “It truly shaped me.”

Building Bonds at NIU

O’Connell first arrived at NIU as a music major, drawn by the university’s strong music program after years of performing in theater, musicals and the choir, as well as playing the piano. Although she soon realized music was more of a passion than a career path, she found a sense of community on the music floor of Gilbert Hall.

“I explored a couple of different majors and landed on sociology,” she said. “It helped me put a framework around the community service work I was already doing. I began to understand the structural inequalities that existed in our world—how they came to be, and how to best engage communities in meaningful change.”

As a resident advisor in her second year, O’Connell refined her ability to lead and engage in courageous conversations with peers. But it was the Newman Catholic Center that truly anchored her NIU experience.

“I was really connected to the service-building and character development opportunities at the Newman Center,” she said. “It was instrumental in developing who I was. I found a group of like-minded students who became my core group of friends, and we’re still connected today through a group text called the ‘Newman Crew.’”

From Insight to Action

As she looks into the future, O’Connell is exploring ways to scale the Red Cross’s impact through innovation by leveraging data and technology to make services faster, more equitable and more responsive.

Whether it’s identifying gaps in service among underserved populations or piloting new tools to improve disaster response, she remains committed to unlocking solutions that meet people where they are.

“It’s about being creative in how we deliver services, so we’re truly giving people the best support possible,” she said. “Regardless of where you’re born, everyone deserves the opportunity to have access to the things they need to thrive.”

For NIU students considering a career in service or social impact, O’Connell offers heartfelt advice.

“I can’t imagine growing up not wanting to make the world a better place,” she said. “But it’s not linear. Start by getting involved. Volunteer. Above all, stay connected to the communities that give you strength. The friendships I built at NIU still ground me today.”

O’Connell’s message is a reminder that community isn’t just something you serve, it’s something you carry with you.

Help inspire discovery at NIU. Visit niuforward.com.

For six years, Dina Bach, ’10, M.S.Ed. ’14, taught Spanish to high school students by day while writing song lyrics by night.

She learned to successfully co-exist in her roles as an educator and an artist. However, in 2017, Bach traded her whiteboard for a full-time seat at her piano, stepping fully into her voice.

“Teaching gave me structure, discipline, and a sense of purpose,” she said. “It taught me how to show up every day, even when I didn’t feel like it. That same discipline is what helped me write nearly 200 songs and build a music career from the ground up.”

Bach earned her bachelor’s degree in Spanish from NIU and later returned to complete her master’s degree in education. Her time at NIU was transformative—not just academically, but creatively.

“NIU was where I found my voice, literally and figuratively,” Bach said. “The curriculum was rigorous, but the community was incredibly supportive. I spent hours at the grand piano in Douglas Hall writing songs, and I performed at campus coffee shops. It was the first time I realized music could be more than just a hobby.”

A Youth in Harmony

Growing up in Wheaton, Illinois, Bach was the youngest of five in a lively Italian-German family. Her early years were filled with music—records spinning in the basement, a Christmas sing-along VHS she begged to watch year-round, and the hum of her siblings’ choir rehearsals. In fourth grade, she began playing the cello, her first formal experience with music. Although she learned how to read music, she always preferred to close her eyes and play by ear. By age 10, she started playing piano and translating her cello songs to the piano by ear, and discovered a natural gift for songwriting.

“My older siblings all took piano lessons and quit,” she said. “My parents decided not to give me lessons, because they saw I had a natural passion and talent, and didn’t want to stifle it.”

In eighth grade, Bach recorded her first song on cassette and VHS for a friend moving away, and continued to use songwriting as a way to process her emotions.

“I’ve always been an observer,” she said. “That’s what makes me a good songwriter. I write what I feel, but also what I see others feeling.”

Two Languages, One Passion

Bach’s love for Spanish began early, too. Inspired by her older siblings, who were studying Spanish, and a little red Spanish-English dictionary, Bach started teaching herself phrases in elementary school.

“Spanish is such a musical language. I think that’s why I was drawn to it,” she said. “I had an amazing AP Spanish teacher in high school, who encouraged me to continue with the language. I didn’t know what I wanted to major in at NIU, and because I never studied music, that wasn’t even on my radar.”

Choosing NIU to be close to home and rooming with her sister, who transferred from a community college, Bach found the grand piano in the lobby of her dorm, Douglas Hall. It’s where she spent most of her time writing her songs.

“NIU was one of the best choices I made,” she said. “My friends and my sister encouraged me to perform some of my original songs live. I never considered myself a piano player, a singer or a performer. It was all just a means to an end: songwriting. That was my true passion. However, I realized that no one would ever hear my songs unless I shared them. I got my first ‘gig’ playing at Potbelly Sandwich Shop during the lunch hour. I knew all of about six cover songs and played mostly originals.”

Bach became a community advisor and worked in the Honors Program office, where she met Nancy Castle, Honors Program director, and Kate Braser, Honors Program coordinator. The two were incredibly influential women who helped guide Bach as a young student.

“They were the first strong, successful female role models I had (aside from my amazing mother and older sisters),” Bach said. “We had so much fun together planning and implementing events and outreach programs through the Honors Program. They always made me feel like I was on their same level, even though I was only an undergraduate student at the time. They taught me to enjoy life and not take things so seriously.”

A business honors course introduced her to Dennis and Stacey Barsema, who later encouraged her to pursue her passion for music.

“Dennis and Stacey are two incredible people in my life,” she said. “They introduced me to a friend with a studio who helped me record three songs for a professional demo. Dennis and Stacey are true mentors, the kind that light you up and really open your eyes to your true passion in life.”

Balancing Two Worlds

After student teaching at Geneva High School, Bach took a year off to pursue music. She wrote custom wedding songs and performed with a local cover band. Performing on the big stages of casinos and various venues throughout Chicago, Bach confronted her fear of performing in front of large audiences. The following year, she returned to Geneva High School, where she taught Spanish for six years.

“Everyone in my life was always encouraging me to pursue music as a full-time career, but I felt like I really needed to have a ‘real job’ that was secure and stable,” she said.

Bach felt like she was sharing something beautiful and rhythmic while teaching. She found the Geneva community and school district to be exceptionally supportive.

“Teaching was never just a job. It was a community,” Bach said. “I enjoyed connecting with young, bright minds, instilling wisdom and discipline, and being a positive light just like Dennis and Stacey and everyone at NIU was for me. My students, colleagues and even some parents supported my music. One colleague helped me book gigs and encouraged me to perform locally. I went to every open mic night within a 25-mile radius.”

While teaching, Bach launched an ambitious goal to write a song a week. She wrote and shared 98 original songs in 98 weeks. She often drew inspiration from her students and classroom stories, even writing songs based on the Spanish literature they were studying.

“It taught me the power of consistency,” she said. “Not every song was great, but every song was honest.”

The Shift to Full-Time

After six years, with savings and a strong support system, Bach made the difficult decision to leave teaching and pursue music full-time. She dove into performing, often playing cover gigs to make ends meet while continuing to write original music.

“I became an entertainer rather than just a songwriter,” she said. “It broadened my musical horizons, but I sometimes wish I had focused more on my own songs. Still, learning other artists’ music helped me grow.”

Her advice to aspiring artists?

“Save up. Surround yourself with people who believe in you. You can’t pursue a passion alone. You need cheerleaders for the hard days,” Bach said.

Milestones and Momentum

Bach’s musical journey has many high points, including singing the National Anthem for the Chicago Cubs at Wrigley Field, releasing a full-length album, and touring nationally with the band Journeyman, A Tribute to Eric Clapton.

“Singing for the Cubs was a bucket-list moment,” Bach said. “I grew up going to games with my family, sitting behind home plate. To be on the field, singing in front of 40,000 people—it was surreal.”

She still teaches when she can, offering private language lessons and participating in educational music programs. Her teaching experience continues to inform her music career, from managing logistics to connecting with audiences.

“Being a teacher taught me how to communicate, organize and lead,” she said. “I run my music business solo—writing, recording, performing, marketing, even accounting. Those skills came from the classroom. Having a full-time career in teaching while pursuing music wasn’t always easy (sometimes you’d find me grading papers on set breaks at my shows), but it was certainly worth it.”

The Universal Language of Music

Today, Bach is entering a bold new chapter. She’s ready to take more risks—like shopping her songs to publishers, recording new music videos, and spending more time in Nashville to co-write and collaborate.

“In order to truly learn a language, you have to immerse yourself in it, and that’s exactly what I plan to do with songwriting in the music community,” Bach said. “I want to immerse myself in communities with people who are more talented than I am. I think that’s why I’m so drawn to Nashville.”

She continued, “I don’t want to wait anymore. You can always come up with an excuse to not do the hard things, but in reality, we all have time. It’s the discipline part that holds us back. Consistently showing up every day makes the difference, and I’m ready for it. After all, music is the universal language.”

Check out Bach’s website for shows and new releases.
To help inspire discovery and empower student success at NIU, visit niuforward.com.

After Peggy Yott retired in 2019, she was excited to have the time to spend with family and friends.

“I read in the NIU Nexus newsletter about alumni volunteer events and saw possible opportunities to connect with fellow alumni,” Yott said. “My first volunteer activity was talking to students and parents at the prospective student career fair. The students were so poised and inquisitive.”

Soon after Yott’s first volunteer experience, NIU Foundation Senior Director of Alumni Engagement Liz McKee, M.S.Ed. ’14, and Huskie Food Pantry’s Assistant Director Jeanne Baxter, ’96, contacted Yott.

“I was so impressed by their professionalism, enthusiasm and ideas. I felt comfortable with them and wanted to be part of the NIU Alumni Association’s volunteer community,” Yott said.

Since then, Yott has participated in various activities, including packing and distributing student care packages during final exams, writing postcards to students and prospective students, serving as an alumni representative at a campus open house, and reviewing scholarship applications.

She recalls the students’ reactions when delivering the care packages.

“I expected a typical young adult glazed look and grunt, but instead, they were so excited to receive a small package and words of encouragement,” Yott said. “The responses from the students were sincere, and it was great to see the smiles on their faces!”

Yott remembers her own smile when she got to NIU, and has reflected in her Huskie involvement. She grew up in an Irish Catholic neighborhood on the South Side of Chicago and graduated from a small all-girls Catholic high school. Attending NIU opened her up to many different cultures, religions, experiences and academic possibilities. She was an Alpha Delta Pi Sorority member involved in community initiatives. This involvement exposed her to different aspects of DeKalb and NIU life.

“Looking back, the things I learned outside of the classroom, at times, were more important to my growth than the academics,” she said. “NIU immediately felt like home, and I have many great memories. The best tug wars at the lagoon!

“My volunteer work is important because my college years were some of the best in my life,” Yott continued. “Education is very important, as is positive interaction between young and old adults. Volunteering enables me to interact with college students and hopefully plant a seed for the future. I enjoy seeing the continued success of NIU and giving back in a small way.”

In 2023, Yott established the MCGILD Scholarship Fund, named after her children’s and grandchildren’s initials, which supports the College of Liberal Arts and Sciences’ Project Finish Line. The program helps NIU juniors, seniors and graduate students who are close to graduating but at risk of stopping out due to financial hardship. The goal is to help students finish their degrees by closing small financial gaps that might otherwise prevent them from graduating.

Yott spent most of her career in facilities administration for various financial firms in downtown Chicago. Her work included worldwide construction projects, business continuity planning, telecommunications administration and personnel management. In her roles, she met many people who impacted her journey. She hopes to pay it forward by positively affecting the next generation.

“It’s very meaningful to be part of the alumni community,” Yott said. “The Alumni Association is very organized, energizing and inclusive, and it’s worthwhile to be part of an organization that truly cares about the future of NIU and its creative and thoughtful ways of including its alumni.”

NIU alumni volunteer their time in meaningful ways. Want to brainstorm ways you can get involved? Contact Eric Glasby, ’15, M.S.Ed. ’18, at eglasby1@niu.edu.

Lisa Thanos Harrod, ’96, saw a literal sign that she should attend NIU while studying at a local community college.

“I chose NIU after attending an orientation in Oak Brook, Illinois, with a friend who was going to school in Iowa,” she said. “I had begun studying at a community college and, true story, when we were leaving the Oak Brook area, I saw a sign that said ‘NIU this way’ on I-88. I went home and told my mother that I literally saw a sign and I wanted to go to NIU.”

Thanos Harrod, who earned a bachelor’s degree in communicative disorders, praised the NIU staff who helped her enroll and register.

“I never looked back; it was truly meant to be,” she said.

Her first job after graduating from NIU was at Hiawatha School District 426 in Kirkland, Illinois, where she served in a variety of roles.

“I was blessed to work in a Pre-K through 12th grade district where I was able to provide speech therapy, coach cheerleading and dance, as well as mentor students and tutor,” she said. “From there, I worked in a special education cooperative and an elementary school district before moving into administration in the areas of special education and curriculum, instruction and assessment.”

She currently serves as the superintendent of schools for Manteno (Illinois) Community Unit School District 5.

“I work on a wonderful team with the board of education, administrators, educators, and support staff that make decisions in the best interest of the students and staff,” she said. “That alone is something that I do not take for granted. My balance is to be involved in the buildings and classrooms as much as I can.”

Thanos Harrod believes in hard work and resiliency, and the power of positive thinking, something she learned while a student at NIU.

“I believe that you cannot wait for opportunities to appear; you have to work to open every door possible and work hard to where you want to be in life,” she said. “You have to build your resiliency skills to keep moving forward when life gets tough and keep working to obtain your goals. No regrets! Life is about balance and somedays it is better than others, but you must keep working to build the life you want to live.”

She continued, “I learned at NIU the importance of not giving up and following your passion. When one door closes, if you work hard, a better door will open and that is the one worth waiting for. I believe in the power of positivity and there is no such thing as a complete bad day. There are challenging moments, yes, but our purpose keeps us going!”

Thanos Harrod grew up on Chicago’s South Side, the child of two educators. Her father served as a history and P.E. teacher and a school librarian during his career, and her mother was a special education teacher and administrator. Her father also coached football in Catholic and public leagues in Chicago, she said.

“I developed a love of high-quality instruction from watching them in action,” she said of her parents. “I believe watching them form those relationships played a crucial piece in making sure students have what they need on both an academic and social-emotional level.”

She was nervous to be leaving home and attend NIU and was a bit overwhelmed by the independence, but she said being at NIU taught her time management, organizational skills and how to navigate the university experience.

“I lived in Neptune West all four years on a co-ed floor,” she said. “Between that and becoming heavily involved in Greek Life, I also had connections with people and was always able to have people looking out for me from a safety standpoint. Now that I am older, I have grown to appreciate that even more.”

Thanos Harrod joined the Sigma Lambda Sigma sorority and served on its leadership board and many committees.

“The ability to have those opportunities presented to me set the tone for my path and foundation in leadership, even if I did not realize it at the time,” she said of her Greek experience. “I was involved in many of the service activities and appreciated the ability to give back. Greek Life was my foundation to working with people and respecting their perspectives. I loved both the social and service side and working to network with others.”

As an alumna, Thanos Harrod continues to be involved in Greek Life at her alma mater. She recently began serving as chapter advisor for Sigma Lambda Sigma.

She counts Professor Howard Schwartz as a meaningful mentor at NIU.

“He was the instructor for the course Remediation of Stuttering,” she said. “It was one of the toughest courses, but you were extremely proud of the grade you worked so hard for, and I continue to use the information I learned in that course.”

She also counts her parents as mentors.

“They were sharing their stories in education and helping me prepare to navigate securing a position after college and discussing graduate school,” she said.

Thanos Harrod encourages students to build their own professional networks as they navigate NIU.

“Growing your professional network is something that students will never regret investing time in,” she said.

She has three children who she said keep her busy by being involved in several school district and travel sports. The two youngest are enrolled in her own school district, and her oldest son recently graduated from the district’s high school and will be attending NIU this fall as a freshman.

“I cannot wait for him to experience all that NIU has to offer,” she said. “I am impressed with the focus on the whole student and all of the opportunities and support available to all students!”

To help inspire discovery and innovation at NIU, visit niuforward.com.