Alumni
Stay connected with the dynamic NIU sociology and criminology community. Whether you graduated last spring or many years ago, you're a vital part of our legacy. Update your contact information to ensure you don't miss exclusive invitations to our annual conference, alumni updates, Homecoming celebrations and other events. Stay in the loop and continue to celebrate the pride and connection of the Huskie community.
Learn more about how to get engaged by contacting Malerie Schumaker, director of alumni engagement, at 815-753-5088 or mschumaker@niu.edu.
Why Stay Connected?
Staying connected helps you:
- Stay informed about the latest departmental developments
- Expand your professional network through alumni events
- Give back by sharing your experiences and expertise with current students
Ways to Engage
- Be a guest speaker: Share your insights with a class or our student organization.
- Host students: Offer internships or job-shadowing opportunities for real-world experience.
- Mentor and network: Guide students by sharing career advice and building professional connections.
- Share your news with us! Our students always want to learn about the career paths of our alumni.
Featured Alumni
Kathryn Chapman (Brown), B.A. '11, M.A. '18
- Investigations specialist, U.S. Pretrial Services.
- Determines if and under what conditions defendants should be released on bond.
- Leads the unit, including reviewing reports and training new officers.
Rodrigo Dominguez-Martinez, M.A. '17
- Ph.D. candidate, sociology, University of Maryland.
- Works with organizations focused on boys and men of color, juvenile justice and violence prevention.
- Research interests: social inequality, the carceral state, race, gender and social movements.
Aaron Sterchi, B.A. '15
- Social studies teacher, Plainfield North High School.
- Teaches human geography, psychology and world history.
- Helps students conduct original research in sociology and psychology.
Cory Barnes, B.A. '09
- Coordinator, DePaul University Black Cultural Center.
- Ph.D. candidate, Illinois State University.
- Promotes awareness of Black culture and inclusivity to support student success.
Colleen Ross, B.A. ’97
- Victim Specialist, FBI
- Began as a local police officer, working undercover, on bike patrol, and as a juvenile police officer, school resource officer and D.A.R.E. and crime prevention officer.
- Has served as a victim specialist for nearly 20 years, providing on-scene responses and crisis interventions for victims of serious federal crimes such as human trafficking, mass shootings, bank robberies, terrorism, crimes against children, financial fraud and kidnappings/hostage matters.
- Recognized for her professional achievements both locally with the FBI’s Medal of Excellence and nationally by FBI former Director James Comey.