Notable Alumni of Northeastern Illinois University

Luis Gutiérrez 1953–

U.S. Representative from Illinois, 1993 to 2019

Bachelor of Arts · Class of 1974

Also attended: Northwestern University

Delia Ramirez 1983–

US Representative for Illinois's 3rd district

Bachelor of Arts

Angelo Reyes 1945–2011

Filipino general and former Armed Forces chief of staff

Also attended: Harvard University

Karen Lewis 1953–2021

Former president of Chicago Teachers Union

Also attended: Mount Holyoke College, Dartmouth College

Karen Yarbrough 1950–2024

Cook County Clerk

Also attended: Chicago State University

Iris Martinez 1956–

Clerk of the Circuit Court of Cook County

Also attended: University of Illinois at Chicago

Odion Ugbesia 1949–

Nigerian politician and senator

William Delgado 1956–

Former Democratic Illinois state senator

Keeanga-Yamahtta Taylor 1950–

Princeton professor of African American Studies

Also attended: Northwestern University

Sarah Hoagland 1945–

Philosophy professor at Northeastern Illinois University

Tim McIlrath 1979–

Lead singer of punk rock band Rise Against

Michael Angelo Batio 1956–

Heavy metal guitarist

Ana Castillo 1953–

Chicana novelist, poet and essayist

Also attended: University of Chicago

John Pankow 1954–

Actor in film, television and theater

Spouse: Kristine Sutherland (University of Kentucky)

Nancy Davidson 1943–

Artist known for large inflatable sculptures

Also attended: University of Illinois at Chicago

Don Digirolamo 1950–

Re-recording mixer, Oscar winner for E.T

Alan Axelrod 1952–

Historian and author of history and business books

Bachelor of Arts

Also attended: University of Iowa

Art Porter, Jr. 1961–1996

Jazz saxophonist

Also attended: Roosevelt University, Berklee College of Music, Virginia Commonwealth University

Father: Art Porter, Sr. (University of Arkansas at Pine Bluff, Henderson State University)

Lorenzo Clemons 1946–

Film and television actor

Jesse Davis 1965–

Jazz saxophonist and composer

Skye P. Marshall 1985–

Actress known for CBS drama Matlock

Dan Crawford 1953–

Retired NBA referee with 23 straight Finals

Child: Drew Crawford (Northwestern University)

Billy Keys 1977–

Former pro basketball player and coach

Also attended: New Mexico State University-Main Campus

Juliana Taimoorazy 1973–

Assyrian activist, founder of Iraqi Christian Relief Council