Northeastern Illinois University Alumni Association

“My experiences [at Northeastern] ignited a passion for student leadership development and higher education,” states Melanny Buitron Loor (B.S. ‘19 Business Administration). As a student, Loor became heavily involved on-campus within Student Government Association (SGA), Undocumented, Resilient & Organized (URO), and as a student aide in The Pedroso Center. As an alumna, Loor also serves on the NEIU Alumni Association Alumni Advisory Board.

In addition to her involvement in academic organizations, Loor participated in a variety of on-campus social activities. Loor dressed as Goldie, participated in NPB’s Talent Show and won second place, and enjoyed attending Fall Fest to watch T-Pain and Ivy Queen. “NEIU Weekend was always a blast!” Loor reflects on her experience as both a student and alumna attending campus events.

“[NEIU] taught me the importance of community support and self-advocacy,” she shares. Loor was - and still is - most appreciative of the support shown to her from Veronica Rodriguez, SLD Director, and CBT professors, Dr. Cook and Professor Chen.

Pieces of advice Loor would share with current students is:
Get involved! Being active on campus was life-changing for me and countless other students.
Find your community. Whether it’s through a class, student organization, Greek life, or an honor society, finding your pack will help you navigate the tough days.
Stay connected with NEIU as an alum. Continuing your involvement post-graduation is equally important.

In January 2024, Loor started working at Morton College as an Undocumented Student Liaison and Student Activities Assistant Director. Within her position, she has the ability to help undocumented students find the financial and academic resources that they need in order to succeed at school.

In her spare time, Loor, a first-generation student herself, shares vlogs on social media about her experience going into the field of higher education. She shares the things that bring her joy, like rediscovering dance.

Olga Nuñez-Johnson (B.A. ‘97 Elementary Education and Bilingual Bicultural Studies; M.A. ‘07 Linguistics) looks back on her time at Northeastern with fondness. During her time as a student, Nuñez-Johnson was involved with Proyecto Pa’Lante, a success program at NEIU that supports academic, professional, and personal growth of students. “Being accepted into [Proyecto Pa’Lante] gave me self-confidence and the determination I needed when facing new challenges,” Nuñez-Johnson reflected. “[The program] offered an extra layer of accountability and an invaluable experience that inspired my decision to become a bilingual teacher.”

Nuñez-Johnson recalls her time on NEIU’s campus and the activities she was involved in with vivid detail. “While at Northeastern, I immersed myself in the fun campus life by attending diverse activities. Each week, the campus engaged with speakers, activities, and music artists that shared their talents and insights. These events were entertaining and educational and offered a wonderful opportunity to meet others and fully experience life at Northeastern,” says Nuñez-Johnson.

Nuñez-Johnson also cherishes the friendships she formed while attending Northeastern. “Even after 30+ years, these bonds remain strong and meaningful,” Nuñez-Johnson reflects. “The sense of community and support I found among my peers, now friends, was truly special and has had a lasting impact on my life.”

To the current Golden Eagles reading this, Nuñez-Johnson wants you to believe in yourselves, stay focused on your goals, and never give up! “Achieving lifelong dreams does not come easy, but through hard work, dedication, and perseverance, you will be amazed at what you can accomplish,” Nuñez-Johnson shares.

In April 2024, Nuñez-Johnson won the Golden Apple Award for Excellence in Teaching for her decade of dedication in teaching at Chicago Public Schools. In her spare time, Nuñez-Johnson has a knack for storytelling! She shares her daily adventures and experiences as a teacher with her friends, family, and anyone willing to listen. “I love bringing moments to life through words, stories, and laughter,” she says.

University Without Walls (UWW) student, Mireille Uwase Adams (‘24), transferred into Northeastern Illinois University and was able to earn college credits through her life experiences. “It was a great experience learning with students of all generations,” Adams said about her time at NEIU. In July 2024, WBEZ Chicago profiled Adams about her life prior to entering the UWW program and how NEIU helped her achieve her dreams. Learn more about Adams and her educational journey by visiting our LinkedIn.

We're so excited about NEIU Weekend this year on Sept 13-15! Join us at the festivities! Visit neiu.edu/neiuweekend for more information. We have lots planned so stay tuned! Go, Golden Eagles! 💙💛🦅

Mark your calendar for Sept. 13-15 and get ready for NEIU Weekend 2024! Whether you're a student, alum, faculty, staff, or a friend of Northeastern Illinois University, please join us for a variety of events including a 5K run and walk, La Copa Soccer Tournament, music, delicious food, and exciting games. It's the perfect opportunity to connect with old friends, make new ones and celebrate the community spirit! Sign up at neiu.edu/neiuweekend.

“Northeastern has helped shape me confidently and professionally,” states disability activist Alexis La’Shay Smith (B.A. ‘21 Communication, Media, Theater). Smith feels she is equipped with the proper journalism skills, thanks to the classes she took at NEIU. To learn more about Smith and her disability advocacy, visit us on LinkedIn .

As we approach the Fall 2024 semester, Northeastern Illinois University is excited to invite you to be a mentor for our students. Your guidance and experience as an alum or friend of the University are invaluable in helping shape the next generation of professionals and leaders. By becoming a mentor, you will have the opportunity to offer career advice, share your insights, and make a significant impact on a student’s academic and professional journey. Apply here: https://forms.gle/1e6opPC3ob1DPSxN8. Questions? Email us at [email protected].

🚀✨ Ready to level up your academic journey? Apply for the Doris Vrooman Alumni Mentoring Scholarship! Not only will you earn financial support but you’ll be paired with an alumni mentor who will help guide you every step of the way! ⭐️🧑‍🏫 Don’t miss this chance - Apply today! 📚🎓

Questions? Email us at [email protected] or DM us! 📩

When asked about his experience at Northeastern Illinois University, Chaim Shapiro (B.A. ‘95 History) said, “NEIU changed the trajectory of my life. It transformed me from a shy and inhibited person to a proactive leader.” Shapiro has given back to the NEIU community by volunteering his time to mentor current students and giving presentations with his LinkedIn Workshop. To learn more about Shapiro and how he stays connected to NEIU, visit our LinkedIn for his full feature: www.linkedin.com/in/neiualumni.

Thank you to all who came out for this year's Athletic Alumni Reunion! 💙💛 You all are past teammates, but present friends and we enjoy seeing the camaraderie that still happens to this day. The athletic spirit is as alive as ever! ✨ Thanks for making this reunion unforgettable.

“Honestly, I would not be where I am today without NEIU,” says Starr De Los Santos (B.A. ‘12 Justice Studies). Santos' main piece of advice to current Golden Eagles: Invest in yourself! “Once others see you put in the work to better yourself, they will invest in you too and help you get where you want to be.” To read more about Santos and her journey, visit us on LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/in/neiualumni.

Looking for weekend activities? 👀

Come find the NEIU Alumni Association at El Gran Festival Colombiano today from 11-3! We are located in Parking Lot E off Access Road, NEIU Main Campus. 💛💙❤️

More information about the festival can be found at:
https://www.neiu.edu/news/northeastern-illinois-university-host-10th-el-gran-festival-colombianothe-great-colombian-festival

In a word, Brian Thalhammer (B.A. ‘17 English) describes his experience at Northeastern Illinois University as “transformative.” He says NEIU played an important role in turning him into the person he is today. Thalhammer credits Northeastern with his resilience and adaptability in his current career based on his experience in the classroom and at his extracurriculars. Read more about Thalhammer by visiting our LinkedIn page: www.linkedin.com/in/neiualumni.

📚☀️ Summer days are perfect for planning your fall semester! 🍂 Apply today for the NEIUAA Internship Scholarship. 🎓

Questions? Email us at [email protected] or DM us! 📩

⛳️ Join us for a lovely summer day of golf and a good cause. The 51st Chuck Kane Scholarship Golf Outing is Monday, July 29 at Bryn Mawr Country Club in Lincolnwood.

Registration, sponsorship, and donation options are at neiu.edu/Kane. Reserve your spot today!

Life at NEIU is something Aidé Hernández (BSW and B.A. Women's and Gender Studies ‘18) still reflects on. “NEIU shaped me as a community leader who advocates for herself and others.” One piece of advice that Hernández gives to current students: “Take different classes, connect with your faculty, and always ask questions.” In her spare time, Hernández has fostered an online community by sharing her educational journey as a first-generation Latina PhD student studying Sociology. Read more about what Hernández has been up to since leaving NEIU by visiting our LinkedIn page: www.linkedin.com/in/neiualumni.

📞 Calling all current Golden Eagle students! ☀️ While you're soaking up the sun this summer, why not apply for the Class Gift Scholarship for the upcoming Fall 2024 semester? Apply now and set your future self up for success! 🎓💼

Questions? Email us at [email protected] or DM us! 📩

A self-taught artist, Genevieve Ramos (B.A. ‘21 Women, Gender & Sexuality Studies) has honed her art through the lens of intersectionality of disability justice and undocumented communities. Ramos has been featured in multiple art galleries around the Chicagoland area, including a permanent installation at University of Chicago’s Disability Cultural Center. Read more about Ramos and the advice she gives to students here: www.linkedin.com/in/neiualumni.

There is only one week left to nominate an alum for the 2024 Alumni Awards! Submit your nominations before June 30th. 🏆✨
Students: You can nominate one of your peers for the "Future Alumni Leader" Award too! 💙💛

Muntaha Alhindi (B.A. ‘14 Social Work) says her favorite memory while attending Northeastern was having classmates and friends from different cultures. One piece of advice she would give to students: “Be involved in different clubs, give yourself the opportunity to learn about others.” Since 2018, Alhindi has worked at the Middle Eastern Immigrant and Refugee Alliance (MIRA) and has worked her way up to Director of Women’s Mental Health Support. Read more about Alhindi and her mission by visiting our LinkedIn page: www.linkedin.com/in/neiualumni.

In our 💙Golden Eagle💛 era for ! 🦅✨

Chris Vazquez (B.S. '18 General Business Administration,
MBA '20 Business Administration) was a dedicated student during his time at NEIU and has continued to be involved within the NEIU community as an alumnus. One piece of advice Vazquez gives to current Golden Eagles is to “treat each class as an opportunity to improve yourself and learn something new.” Read more about Vazquez and his journey on our LinkedIn page: https://www.linkedin.com/in/neiualumni/.

Are you a White Sox fan or a Cubs fan? ⚾ Choose your favorite team and join us at the ballpark for alumni night this summer! Find more information by clicking on the links in the comments below. If you have any questions, please email us at [email protected]. We can't wait to see you all there!

🌟 Calling all Golden Eagle alumni! 🌟 Nominations for our 2024 Alumni Awards are now open! 🏆 Know an outstanding alum who deserves recognition for their achievements and leadership? Nominate them today! 🦅

Cesar Pino (B.A. ‘16 and M.A. ‘18 Music) is known in the music world by his stage name C3zr. Pino released his debut LP titled, “Round Voyage,” in March 2024, which focuses on Chicago’s bodies of water at different points of the day. Pino has been featured in the Chicago Tribune and Under the Radar Magazine, amongst other music-related publications. His album has musical production of electric jazz and funk and features several local Chicagoland artists. Learn more about Pino and his journey by visiting our LinkedIn page: https://www.linkedin.com/in/neiualumni/.

Digital membership cards are easy to download, environmentally friendly, and cost effective! What are you waiting for? 🤔 Renew or activate your membership today at neiu.edu/neiuaa! 💙💛
Questions about digital memberships? Please visit neiu.edu/neiuaadigital.