NIU Alumni Association names
2004 award recipients

NIU’s Alumni Association named 11 recipients of its annual awards program for 2004. Recipients are selected based on outstanding professional and personal successes, as well as involvement in civic, cultural or charitable activities.

“NIU alumni have gone on to distinguish themselves and Northern in countless ways,” said Lee McCauley, assistant vice president for alumni relations. “Our Alumni Awards Program seeks to recognize some of these outstanding individuals who have gone out and achieved great success in their personal and professional lives.”

The Alumni Association presented Juan Andrade, Jr., president of the United States Hispanic Leadership Institute, with the prestigious Distinguished Alumni Award. Weather Channel on-camera meteorologist Melissa Barrington received the Outstanding Alumni Award.

In addition, nine alumni received an Outstanding College Alumni Award from their respective areas of study. Those recipients are: James R. Grabek and Kathy Halloran from the College of Business; Robert J. English from the College of Education; Kent M. Foster from the College of Engineering and Engineering Technology; Glenn R. Janicki from the College of Health and Human Sciences; Diann Marsalek from the College of Law; James B. Pick and Raymond G. Smerge from the College of Liberal Arts and Sciences; and Dean Michael Auriemma from the College of Visual and Performing Arts.

Distinguished Alumni Award
The most prestigious award given by the NIU Alumni Association, the Distinguished Alumni Award is presented to an alumnus who has achieved outstanding success in his or her profession. The selection committee particularly looks for individuals who have achieved national, regional, or statewide prominence and who have significant involvement in civic, cultural, or charitable activities.

Dr. Juan Andrade Jr., Ed.S., ’95; Ed.D. ’98, Leadership and Educational Policy Studies
Griffith, Ind.
President, United States Hispanic Leadership Institute, Chicago

Toiling away in the fields under the Texas sun, Juan Andrade Jr., learned the virtue of hard work and the value of an education at an early age. The son of migrant farm workers, Andrade worked alongside his family at the tender age of four. A self-described quintessential learner, Andrade has earned five college degrees, including an educational specialist certificate from NIU in 1995 and a doctorate in 1998. Today, Andrade is respected as one of the nation’s most influential Hispanic leaders. He is co-founder and president of the United States Hispanic Leadership Institute based in Chicago. Under his guidance, the Institute has trained more than 200,000 present and future leaders, registered two million voters, published 425 studies on Hispanic demographics, and sponsors the largest Latino leadership conference in the nation. Andrade’s long list of accolades includes the prestigious Presidential Medal, which he received from President Bill Clinton in 2000 for his accomplishments promoting civic participation and leadership development.

Outstanding Alumni Award
The Outstanding Alumni Award is presented to an individual who has exhibited outstanding professional and personal accomplishments within ten years of earning an undergraduate degree at NIU. The selection committee also looks for evidence of civic, cultural, and charitable involvement.

Melissa Barrington B.S. ’93, Meteorology
Douglasville, Ga.
On-Camera Meteorologist, The Weather Channel

Melissa Barrington honed her on-camera meteorology skills delivering nightly weather forecasts to the NIU community via the student-run TV-8 newscast. Less than 10 years after earning a meteorology degree in 1993, Barrington landed her dream job as an on-camera meteorologist with The Weather Channel. In May 2001, Barrington received the Americas’ Award for Best Weather Presentation in North and South America at the 11th annual International Weather Festival. She also holds both the American Meteorological Society’s Television Seal of Approval and the National Weather Association’s Seal of Approval. In addition, she volunteers in local classrooms teaching the weather to children. Barrington is married to fellow NIU Huskie James Noel, ’92, who is a meteorologist with the National Weather Service.

Outstanding College Alumni Awards
In addition to the award presented to a member of the general alumni population, individual awards are given to a representative from each of the university’s seven colleges, thereby highlighting the diverse disciplines of a comprehensive university.

College of Business

James R. Grabek, B.S. ’68, Marketing; M.S. Ed. ’69, Business Education
Minneapolis, Minn.
Chairman & CEO, Comedicus Inc., Columbia Heights, Minn.

After earning a bachelor degree in marketing from NIU in 1968 and a master’s degree in business education the following year, James Grabek launched an impressive business career. His professional path began with sales, led into entrepreneurial ventures, and branched off into academia, politics, and community development. In 1992, Grabek embarked on an entrepreneurial endeavor, forming Comedicus Incorporated, a cardiovascular device company whose technological advances benefit more than 2 million patients and doctors each year. He is the author of five U.S. patents for cardiovascular devices involving the pericardial space, which is a membrane that surrounds the heart. A known leader in the medical device industry, Grabek also is often called upon to lecture on technological advances in the field. In addition to serving as chairman and CEO of Comedicus, Grabek is an adjunct faculty member for undergraduate- and MBA-level entrepreneurship courses at the University of St. Thomas, where he received its 1999 Excellence in Teaching Award in the Graduate School of Business.

Kathy L. Halloran, M.B.A., ’79, Business Administration
St. Charles, Ill.
Executive Vice President of Finance and Administration, Nicor Inc. and Nicor Gas, Naperville, Ill.

Kathy Halloran began her 30-year career with Nicor, Inc. and Nicor Gas in Naperville, Ill., as an accountant. After earning an MBA from NIU in 1979, Halloran continued to advance up the corporate ladder to her current position as vice president of finance and administration. She gained valuable company experience serving as its corporate secretary, treasurer, controller, vice president and senior vice president. Professionally and personally, Halloran’s peers look up to her as a leader in the company and community. Beyond the boardroom, Halloran makes significant contributions to several not-for-profit organizations, as well as NIU’s College of Business. Halloran has volunteered her time and talent to Voices for Illinois Children and Illinois Children’s Healthcare Foundation, and is an active participant in Nicor’s annual Volunteer Day in the Community event. In addition, she serves on the boards of Castle Banc Group, Central DuPage Health, National Association of Child Advocates, and until recently, the Board of Executive Advisors for NIU’s College of Business. And with her remaining free time, Halloran continues to expand and share her business expertise as a member of the American Gas Association, the Chicago Network, the Economic Club of Chicago and the Executives’ Club of Chicago.

College of Education

Robert J. English, Ed.D. ’74, Leadership and Educational Policy Studies
Palm Coast, Fla.
President (retired), PMA Financial Network, Inc., Warrenville, Ill.

Throughout his professional career, Robert English has worked “behind-the-scenes” to support educational interests. English began his career teaching data processing and accounting at Triton College, and served as its comptroller at the age of 23. While working as a professor and administrator at Triton, English pursued a doctorate of education degree at NIU, which he completed in 1974. Upon graduation, English accepted a deanship at Morton Junior College, and then went on to become treasurer and vice president at Joliet Junior College. While at JCC, English realized a need for analysis of depository relationships for public bodies, such as schools and municipalities. He created a bank credit report called the “Prudent Man Analysis,” which launched PMA Financial, Inc. in 1980. English’s credit knowledge and public funds background moved PMA to become a full-service investment and advisory firm. Today, PMA is responsible for more than $4 billion in public funds, and provides service programs to its clients in the areas of cash flow analysis and bond proceeds management. English also is active in higher education as a volunteer and philanthropist. He has served on the Illinois State Board of Higher Education and is well known for his work on the Illinois Job Workforce Preparation Initiative and Prairie State 2000. Additionally, he was instrumental in helping NIU secure a $150,000 grant to the College of Education from the State of Illinois Board of Higher Education. Also, for the past four years, English and his wife, Mary, have provided financially disadvantaged NIU students with computers, equipment and training through the Mary F. English Technology Award.

College of Engineering and Engineering Technology

Kent M. Foster, B.S. ’92, Mechanical Engineering
St. Charles, Ill.
Engineering Manager, Caterpillar Inc., Aurora, Ill.

While attending class full time during the day and working second shift at Caterpillar, Inc., Kent Foster completed a bachelor’s degree in mechanical engineering from NIU in 1992. That summer, he returned to a “normal life,” working first shift in the vehicle systems group of large wheel loaders at Caterpillar’s Aurora, Ill., facility. Foster advanced to various positions and today is the engineering supervisor responsible for all linkage and structure design and development for large wheel loaders. He oversees a 30-member team whose developments in the area of linkage pin design have led to innovative concepts that have advanced Caterpillar’s products. Although his career and family responsibilities have increased, Foster still remains loyal to his alma mater. In 1996, he began recruiting at NIU and is now the primary engineering recruiter for the Caterpillar/NIU partnership. Through his guidance and mentorship, Foster has been instrumental in helping NIU students understand engineering design and participate in international competitions.

College of Health and Human Sciences

Glenn R. Janicki, B.S. ’84, Allied Health Professions
La Grange, Ill.
Assistant Vice President of Professional Services, Palos Community Hospital, Palos Heights, Ill.

Glenn Janicki might be Palos Community Hospital’s youngest administrator, but his professional achievements are those of a seasoned veteran in medical technology and hospital management. Janicki’s medical career began when he earned a bachelor’s degree in medical technology from NIU in 1984. He joined Palos Community Hospital in 1985, where he quickly ascended the management ranks. Today he is the assistant vice president of professional services for the 436-registered bed hospital in Palos Heights, Ill., and is responsible for the strategic direction, financial oversight, and program development for Cardiology, Electroenecphalography, Pathology and Laboratory Services, and Respiratory Care. His current projects include co-founding the Performance Improvement Council, serving on the Facility Master Planning Steering Committee, and providing leadership in the development of a comprehensive Heart Program. Most recently, the American College of Healthcare Executives commended Janicki for his achievements and awarded him Diplomate status, an honor that recognizes premier credentials in healthcare management.

College of Law

Diann Marsalek, J.D. ’89, Law
Chicago, Ill.
Chief Legal Counsel, Illinois Department of Corrections

As a law student at NIU, Diann Marsalek was actively involved in various organizations and a mentor to her peers. Since earning her law degree in 1989, Marsalek has maintained that same level of commitment and involvement within her profession and to the greater community. Marsalek began her career with the Office of the Illinois Attorney General, where she tried more than 50 federal jury trials, and numerous other cases in the Illinois Court of Claims. Last February, Marsalek accepted the position as the chief legal counsel for the Illinois Department of Corrections. She is responsible for reviewing all litigation for an agency of 13,000 employees and 44,000 inmates. Presently, her office has 7,000 cases pending in all levels of the judicial system. Despite her demanding schedule, Marsalek still makes time for her alma mater. She was a member of the NIU College of Law’s Alumni Council, where she also served as its secretary. In addition, Marsalek has volunteered her time as a judge in the intramural Moot Court competition, and has been an active voice for the College of Law in Springfield.

College of Liberal Arts and Sciences

James B. Pick, M.S.Ed. ’69, Biological Sciences
Corona del Mar, Calif.
Professor, School of Business, University of Redlands, California

Although James Pick focused on biological sciences when he earned a master of science degree in education from NIU in 1969, his doctoral degree from the University of California, Irvine, concentrated on population and environmental biology. He has demonstrated versatility as a scholar by developing an additional academic and teaching area in management information systems. A professor in the School of Business at University of Redlands in California, Pick conducts research on urban studies, population and information systems. He also participated in his university’s Cambridge University Exchange Program and was a Senior Fulbright Lecturer/Researcher in Mexico. His peers and students have recognized Pick as an exceptional teacher and lecturer on numerous occasions. Pick’s academic repertoire began with his love for books. At NIU, he spent many productive hours at the university’s library. To ensure that future NIU students and community members can reap its benefits, Pick has generously supported Northern’s University Libraries for nearly two decades.

Raymond G. Smerge, B.S. ’67, Political Science
Dallas, Texas
Executive Vice President & Chief Legal Officer, Centex Corporation, Dallas

Ray Smerge epitomizes the classic NIU college success story. Through perseverance and old-fashioned hard work, Smerge has enjoyed success as a leader in both the corporate and civic worlds. Shortly after graduating from NIU in 1967 with a political science degree, Smerge joined Centex Corporation as a closing officer. While working full time, Smerge attended law school at DePaul University and also wrote for the Law Review. Upon earning his law degree in 1971, Smerge was promoted to vice president and general counsel at Centex. He continued to move up the ranks of the company to his current position as its executive vice president and chief legal officer. Centex is one of the nation’s premier companies in building and related services, such as home building, home services, financial services, construction services and investment real estate. With annual revenues approaching $10 billion, Centex is a Fortune 250 company that is often ranked among “America’s Most Admired Companies” in its industry, according to Fortune magazine. Smerge also is licensed to practice law in Illinois and Texas and is a member of the Dallas Bar Association and the American Bar Association. In 2002, Smerge joined the NIU College of Liberal Arts and Sciences Advisory Board. He was so impressed with the CLAS Undergraduate Apprenticeship Program and the Freshman Interest Groups, that he provided significant financial support to “jump-start” a fundraising effort to expand those initiatives.

College of Visual and Performing Arts

Dean Michael Auriemma, B.S. ’90, Art Education; M.A. ’94, Studio Art
Homewood, Ill.
Director of Curriculum, Instruction & Professional Development, Homewood-Flossmoor High School, Flossmoor, Ill.

As a high school art teacher, Dean Auriemma makes it his mission to help students not only excel academically, but to develop their own identities through artistic expression. Auriemma has taught art concentration, two-dimensional studio and advanced placement studio art at Homewood-Flossmoor High School for the past 10 years. More recently, he accepted a position as the school district’s director of curriculum, instruction and professional development. He is responsible for the implementation and review of district curriculum rationale and goals, as well as creating and sustaining all district professional development goals, which includes student supervision and teacher evaluation. Auriemma has been teaching art since earning a bachelor’s degree in education from NIU in 1990. He continued his education at Northern and earned a master’s degree in studio art in 1994. To round out his NIU experience, Auriemma now is working on a doctorate degree in curriculum and instruction. Auriemma’s contributions as an educator have not gone unnoticed by his students and colleagues. In 2001, he was honored with the Golden Apple Award for Teaching Excellence and an Illinois State Board of Education “Those Who Excel” Award of Recognition in 1996/97, as well as its Team Award of Merit in 2003, and the Illinois Art Education Association Best School of Art Program Award in 2003. In addition, he recently completed his National Board of Professional Teaching Standards certification and is anxiously awaiting its results this fall.

5-3-04