Mirron “Mike” Alexandroff (1923-2001) was born on Chicago’s south side. During his 30 year career as President of Columbia College of Chicago, he increased enrollment from 200 to 7,000 students. Among its thousands of graduates are several famous CPS alum including: Bob Sirott, Mary Mitchell, Shecky Greene and Pat Sajak. Mr. Alexandroff received the Sydney R. Yates Advocacy award, the Clarence Darrow award for leading service in cause of social justice, a Distinguished Urban Fellow award from the Association of Urban Universities and an Outstanding Contributor to Latin American TV award from the Mexico National Association of Broadcasters.

Nelson Algren (March 28 1909-1981) - Algren, formerly Nelson Ahlgren Abraham, is a 1928 graduate of Hibbard High School and winner of the 1950 National Book Award for his novel The Man with the Golden Arm. Algren wrote extensively about Chicago's underclass, most notably in Never Come Morning, Chicago, City on the Make. The Chicago Tribune awards an annual prize for short fiction in Algren's name each year.

Steve Allen (December 26, 1921-2000) - A prolific talent, 54 Books, 8500 songs, creator of The Tonight Show, The Steve Allen Show, and Meeting of the Minds, Steve Allen's influence on American culture is unrivaled. In recognition of his contributions and popularity Allen even has two stars on the Hollywood Walk of Fame - one for television and the other for radio.

Richard Atwater (1892-1948) - Born Frederick M. Atwater, Atwater wrote columns for the Chicago Evening Post and the Chicago Daily News. In addition, he was a respected author and editor. He's probably best remembered for his Newberry Honor winning book, Mr. Popper's Penguins. Unfortunately, Atwater had a stroke after starting the book and it may never have come to fruition if not for his wife Florence who finished the story and shares writing credit.

Jean Auel (February 18, 1936 – present). Born Jean Marie Untinen. Jean Auel’s best-selling novels, a six-part series set during the Ice Age, have sold over 34 million copies. Her first novel, “Clan of the Cave Bear” was made into a movie starring Daryl Hannah. Ms. Auel holds a master’s degree in business administration has been named an Officer of the Order of Arts & Letters by the French Minister of Culture and Communication and is a member of Mensa.

Barbara Bain (September 13, 1931-Present), born Millicent M. Fogel. As Barbara Bain she became the first actress to win 3 consecutive Emmy Awards. After graduating from the University of Illinois with a Bachelor's degree in Sociology, she moved to New York and worked as a fashion model. She studied dance with Martha Graham and acting with Lee Strasberg before heading to Los Angeles to star as Cinnamon Carter in the television series "Mission Impossible". In 1993 Barbara Bain founded BookPALS, a literacy program of the Screen Actors Guild Foundation, that brings professional actors into public schools to read aloud to students. The program currently operates in major cities such as Atlanta, Boston, Las Vegas, Los Angeles, New York, San Francisco and Washington, D.C.

Sybil Bauer (September 18, 1903-1927) - In her brief life, Bauer was one of the most dominant swimmers ever. She set the record in the backstroke for women at every distance. She even beat the men's record once, though it was never recognized. She won the gold medal in the backstroke at the 1924 Olympics. She was engaged to Ed Sullivan (of the Ed Sullivan Show fame) at the time of her death.

Saul Bellow (June 10, 1915-2005) - Won the Pulitzer Prize in 1975 for his book Humboldt's Gift. Bellow was also the first three-time winner of the National Book Award. He was widely regarded for his rich descriptions of Chicago and its people.

Edgar Bergen (February 16, 1903-1978) - Edgar Bergen was a ventriloquist and one of the most popular entertainers of his day, as evidenced by his successful radio program. His honors include an Academy Award, a Peabody award, and a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame. He is the father of actress Candice Bergen.

Ira Berkow (January 7, 1940 - Present) - Long time sports feature writer for the New York Times, Berkow was awarded the 2001 Pulitzer Prize for his article, “The Minority Quarterback” in the New York Times series, “How Race Is Lived in America”. He was a finalist for prize in 88. He has been honored by the Best American Sports Writing and co-wrote the best-selling book, Hank Greenberg: The Story of My Life. Other books include: Red: A Biography of Red Smith, Court Vision, To The Hoop: The Seasons of a Basketball Life, and his memoir, Full Swing; Hits, Runs and Errors in a Writer’s Life.

Bob Berland (November 5, 1961 - present) - Berland won a silver medal for Judo in the 1984 Olympics only six weeks after nearly losing his leg. For his remarkable performance at the 1984 Olympics, Berland was named Black Belt Magazine Judoka of the Year and Olympian Magazine Player of the Year. He returned to the Olympics in 1988 as a competitor, and again as a coach in 2004 (helping the U.S. to a Bronze). He founded Olympic Futures in 1991, and is the president of Berland Printing. Berland has been a U.S. national team coach since 2001 and coached at the 2002 Pan American Games. He is currently a board member on the Chicago 2016 Olympic Bid Committee.

Rod Blagojevich (December 10, 1956- Present) - Prior to earning his second term as governor, Gov. Blagojevich attended Northwestern University, Pepperdine School of Law School, and served as Cook County Assistant States Attorney. In 1992 he joined the Illinois General Assembly and in 1996 was elected to the U.S. House of Representatives for the  IL 5th District. Blagojevich was the 40th Governor of Illinois. In 2009, he was impeached and removed from office.

Neil G. Bluhm (1955 Graduate) - A member of the Forbes 400 list of wealthiest individuals, Bluhm is one of the co-founders and president of JMB Realty Corp and CEO of Walton Street Capital. He has been called the Midwest's answer to Donald Trump

Thomas Edward Bosley (October 1, 1927 – present). Best known for his role as Howard Cunningham on the long running television series Happy Days, this versatile actor began his career on Broadway winning a Tony Award for his portrayal of New York Mayor Fiorello LaGuardia in the Broadway musical Fiorello!

Carol Moseley Braun (August 16, 1947-present) - The first and only African-American woman elected to the United States Senate, Braun served Illinois from 1993 to 1999. Braun started her career as prosecutor in the office of the United States Attorney in 1973. From 1978 to 1988, Braun served in the Illinois House of Representatives. After her time in the Senate, Braun was appointed as an ambassador to New Zealand and Samoa from 1999-2001.

Gwendolyn Brooks (June 7, 1917-2000) - In 1950 Brooks won the first Pulitzer Prize ever awarded to an African-American woman for her book of poetry Annie Allen. Brooks served as Poet Laureate of Illinois in 1968 and was awarded a special National Book Award in 1994.

Herbert C Brown (May 22, 1912-2004) - The 1979 winner of the Nobel Prize in Chemistry, Brown won for his work on hydrides of boron. Over his career, Brown taught at the University of Chicago, Wayne University and finally Purdue University where he served as Professor of Inorganic Chemistry.

Rev. Milton Brunson (June 8, 1929-1997) - Founder and leader of the Thompson Community Singers, a world famous gospel choir, Brunson was also an ordained minister and leader of the Christ Tabernacle Missionary Baptist Church in Chicago. With the Thompson Singers, Brunson would perform at Madison Square Garden, Carnegie Hall and the Apollo Theatre. The choir also won a Grammy in 1996 for "Through God's Eyes." Their song "There is Hope" was #1 on the gospel charts for four months. In honor of his civic leadership, Milton Brunson Elementary School opened on April 21, 1999.

Rosalyn Evette Bryant –Clark (January 7, 1956 – present) competed for the United States in the 1976 Summer Olympics held in Montreal, Canada winning the Silver medal with her team mates in the 400 meter relay race. She later became a Los Angeles police officer and currently teaches physical fitness and self-defense at the Los Angeles Police Department

Edgar Rice Burroughs (September 1, 1875-1950) - Burroughs, author and creator of Tarzan - one of the most celebrated characters of all time, did not begin his writing career until the age of 35. During his prolific forty-year career, Burroughs published at least one book every year, save one. In addition to Tarzan, Burroughs created the popular and influential series John Carter of Mars, and The Land That Time Forgot. Burroughs was the oldest war correspondent of World War II and the town of Tarzana, CA is named after his ranch. [Johnny Weismuller, also an alum of CPS, played Tarzan in several movies.]

Cheryl Burton (December 25, 1962-present) - An Emmy Award winning journalist, Burton co-anchors two of the #1 rated newscasts in Chicago for ABC 7 News.

Dick Butkus (December 9, 1942-present) - Butkus is widely regarded as one of the best football players ever. He was inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame in 1979 and the College Football Hall of Fame in 1983. Considered by many the greatest linebacker ever, the Dick Butkus Award is given annually to the best college linebacker. www.thebutkusaward.com. Recently, Butkus has been more involved in the handling of the award, making sure any proceeds from the event go to charity. His own charity, the Butkus Foundation, is devoted to educating teen athletes about the dangers of steroids and performance-enhancing drugs.

Jerry Butler (December 8, 1939-present) - After a career that included time as one of the founding members of the Impressions, and a popular solo musician, Butler was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame. Also known as The Iceman, Butler received three Grammy nominations and co-wrote many popular songs with artists like Curtis Mayfield, Otis Redding, and Gamble and Huff. He started a second career in politics, and currently serves as a commisioner on the Cook County Board.

John Calamos (1940-present) - As Founder and CEO of Calamos Asset Management, Calamos used his investment acumen to earn a spot on Forbes 400 list of wealthiest individuals. A former Air Force Pilot, Calamos attended I.I.T. and is the author of two books, Investing in Convertible Securities: Your Complete Guide to the Risks and Rewards, and Convertible Securities: the Latest Instruments, Portfolio Strategies, and Valuation Analysis.

Lavern Scott Caldwell (April 17, 1950-present) - Caldwell began her career in theatre, winning a Tony Award in 1988 for her role in Joe Turners Come and Gone. Caldwell also has extensive film and television credits, most recently on the ABC show Lost and the film Gridiron Gang.

Bill Campbell - Three time Emmy Award winner Bill Campbell is currently the host of "Chicagoing" a weekly Chicago showcase on ABC 7. From 1978 to 2000, Cambell served as the station's director of community services. Prior to his time a ABC 7, Campbell was director of communications for the Chicago Urban League and staff assistant/program specialist in the Office of the Mayor, City of Chicago. Campbell is a former William Benton Fellow in Broadcast Journalism and recipient of the Beautiful People Award from the Chicago Urban League, and the Peter Lisagor Award from the Chicago Headline Club/Society of Professional Journalists. Other honors include the 1984 Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Freedom Award, Communications Excellence Award from the Cosmopolitan Chamber of Commerce and the 2000 Communications Leadership award from the Westside Branch NAACP. Campbell is a member of the Boards of Directors of the Evanston Community Foundation, the National Conference for Community and Justice (NCCJ)-Northern Illinois, and the Greater Chicago Food Depository, is a member of the Cultural Affairs Advisory Board for the City of Chicago and is a member of the Visiting Committee of the School of Social Service Administration of the University of Chicago.

Anthony Robert "Tony" Canadeo (May 5, 1919 - 2003) was a professional football player, a halfback and quarterback for the NFL's Green Bay Packers from 1941-1944 and 1946-52, having missed the 1945 season while serving in the army during World War Two. Canadeo played college football at Gonzaga University in Spokane, where he was first known as the "Gray Ghost," due to his prematurely graying hair. He was the first Packer to rush for 1000 yards in a season and the third player ever in the NFL to accomplish this feat. Canadeo is one of only six Green Bay Packers to have his number (3) retired by the team. Canadeo continued his association with the team and in 1974 was inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame in 1974.

Jim Cantalupo (November 14, 1943-2004) - As chairman and CEO of McDonalds Corporation between 1991 and 2002, and again between 2003-2004, Cantalupo focused McDonalds on international expansion and turning the company into a global brand.

Phil Cavaretta (July 19, 1916-Present) - Cavaretta won the 1945 National League MVP as a member of the Chicago Cubs team that made it to the Championships before losing to Detroit in seven games.

John Chancellor (July 14, 1927 - 1996) - As anchor of the NBC Nightly News from 1970-1982, Chancellor influenced a generation of reporters. He began his career with the Chicago Sun-Times and soon after began work as a correspondent on NBC's Huntley-Brinkley Report. He is remembered most notably for his coverage of the integration of Little Rock Arkansas, being arrested on the floor of the 1964 Republican Convention, the creator of the Red and Blue states to discuss presidential elections, and as the Emmy winning narrator for the Ken Burns series, Baseball.

Gene Chandler (July 6, 1937 - present). Born Eugene Dixon, he began his career as a professional singer while attending Englewood High School. Although he recorded many songs, he is best known for his 1962 #1 Hit, The Duke of Earl. He received the Grammy Hall of Fame Award in 2002 and still performs around the world.

Maurice Cheeks (September 8, 1956-present) - Maurice Cheeks played in the NBA for 15 years, most of that time with the Philadelphia 76ers. He helped the 76ers to three NBA Championship Finals, winning one in 1983. He is once again with the 76ers, this time as Head Coach.

Frank M. Clark (September 3, 1945-present) - Clark is currently the chairman and CEO of ComEd, a company he started in the mailroom with in 1966. He sits on the board or is a trustee of many institutions including: The Chicago Community Trust, DePaul University, the Chicago Symphony Orchestra, The University of Chicago Hospitals and Health System, and the Peggy Notebaert Nature Museum among others. Clark is one of the founders and namesakes of the Rowe-Clark Math and Science Academy, a Chicago Public High School.

Nat King Cole (March 17, 1919-1965) - Born Nathaniel Adams Coles, Cole was a popular singer, songwriter, pianist, and performer. He recorded 28 Gold Records and became the first African-American to host his own television show. He was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 2000.

Gary Comer (December 10, 1927-2006) - Comer made his fortunes as the Founder and CEO of Lands' End, however, it's his work as a philanthropist that may be his lasting legacy. Comer donated over $40 million to the Revere School community, including 30 million for the Gary Comer Youth Center.

Born Sam Cook, he added an "e' to his name and became Same Cooke. (January 22, 1931-1964) - Sam Cooke was a charter member of the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame. His first single, You Send Me, spent six weeks at number one. He once sang in a group with another CPS alumnus, Lou Rawls.

Phillip Miller Crane (November 3, 1930 – present) served as a member of the United States House of Representatives from 1969 to 2005. He received his PhD in history in 1961 from Indiana University where he later served on the faculty.

Shani Davis (August 13, 1982-present) - In the 2006 Winter Olympics Davis won a Gold and Silver medal for speed skating. In his career he has set five world records and is the current record holder at 1000m and for the all round competition. Davis has received a lot of attention for being the first black athlete to win a gold medal in an individual sport in a Winter Olympics.

Anna Davlantes is the co-anchor of Chicago's NBC 5 newscast and an Emmy Award winner. In 2005, she received the Ethics Award in Journalism from the Chicago Headline Club. In 2008, she launched a news of the week review show on WTTW called "Rewind."

Bruce DeMars (June 3, 1935-Present) - Admiral DeMars retired in 1996 after 43 years of service, during which he served as Director of the Naval Nuclear Propulsion Program. He currently serves on the Board of Directors for Exelon, a Fortune 500 company.

Bo Diddley (December 30, 1928-2008) - Diddley (legal name Ellas McDaniel) is considered one of the pioneers of Rock and Roll and his signature guitar sound and rhythm is one of the most influential and copied of all time. It was at Foster Elementary School that Diddley made his first musical instruments "including a violin, a bass fiddle and his first home-made guitar." [From Diddley Website].

Walt Disney (December 5, 1901-1966) - Founder of Walt Disney Productions, Disney Theme Parks, and the legendary force behind many of today's most beloved characters and stories. His legacy includes Mickey Mouse, Donald Duck, Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs, Pinocchio, Fantasia, Dumbo, Cinderella, Disneyland, and Disney World. For his work, Disney received 59 Oscar nominations, 26 Oscar Awards, and 7 Emmy Awards.

Finley Peter Dunne (july 10, 1867 - 1936) - Best known as the author of the Mr. Dooley articles, Dunne enjoyed wide popularity for his syndicated piece that covered days events through the eyes of a South Side Chicago Irishman. His career included stops at the Chicago Telegram, Chicago News, Chicago Times, Chicago Tribune, Chicago Herald, Chicago Journal and the Chicago Post. His first collection of Dooley articles entitled Mr. Dooley in Peace and War was a bestseller. Seven more editions would follow. His sister, Amelia Dunne Hookway was a nationally known educator with CPS for whom the Hookway school was named.

Larry Ellison (August 17, 1944-Present) - Founder and CEO of Oracle Corporation.

Russ Ewing (October 28, 1923-present) - Over 100 murder suspects turned themselves into Russ Ewing, the 9 time Emmy Award winning newscaster. Ewing started his life as a professional musician and then parlayed his job as a newsroom courier into a 40-year career in broadcasting.

Barbara Ferrell-Edmonson. (July 28, 1947 – present) Three years after graduating from Harrison High School Barbara Ferrell set a world record for the 100 meter dash that has yet to be broken: 11.10 seconds. She was a member of the gold medal-winning 4x100m relay team and also won the 100m silver medal at the 1968 Olympics in Mexico City. She is a member of the U.S. National Track and Field Hall of Fame. Barbara Ferrell-Edmonson taught elementary school in Los Angeles and is currently Head Coach of the University of Nevada at Las Vegas women's track and field/cross country program.

Harrison Ford (July 13, 1942-present) - Arguably the most popular actor of his generation, Harrison Ford has starred in many of Hollywood's biggest blockbusters. Ford played Han Solo in three Star Wars movies, Indiana Jones in four movies by the same name, and had leading roles in dozens of other successful movies like Blade Runner, Air Force One, and The Fugitive.

Bob Fosse (June 23, 1927-1987) - A legendary song and dance man, Fosse left his mark on Broadway and Hollywood with a style that continues to influence musical theater today. During his career, he earned 9 Tony Awards, 4 Drama Desk Awards, 3 Emmy Awards, an Oscar and the Palme d'Or.

Redd Foxx was born John Elroy Sanford (December 9, 1922-1991) - Foxx was a groundbreaking comedian in his day. His comedy recordings and guest star turns led to his own sitcom in 1971, Sanford and Son. His work earned him 3 Emmy nominations and 4 Golden Globe nominations. He won the 1973 Golden Globe for best TV actor in a comedy.

William Friedkin (August 29, 1935-Present) - Academy Award and Golden Globe winning Director of The French Connection and The Exorcist.

Jerome I. Friedman (March 28, 1930-present) - Also a gifted artist, Friedman turned down a scholarship to the Art Institute of Chicago to attend the University of Chicago and study under Enrico Fermi. Friedman's decision ultimately led him to the 1990 Nobel Prize in Physics for his part in pioneering investigations concerning deep inelastic scattering of electrons on protons and bound neutrons, which have been of essential importance for the development of the quark model in particle physics. He is an Institute Professor at M.I.T.

George Furth (December 14, 1932-2008) - Born George Schweinfurth, Furth began his career as an actor but quickly gained fame as a playwright. He won a Tony Award and Drama Desk Award for writing the book for the hit musical Company. Furth's film career included roles in Butch Cassidy and the Sundance Kid, Blazing Saddles, and Oh, God!. Furth was also a frequent guest star on some of the most popular television shows of his day, including Happy Days, I Dream of Jeanie, Green Acres, L.A. Law and Murder She Wrote.

Neal Gabler (Lane Tech, 1967) - Gabler is a political commentator and the author of three books, the most recent being Walt Disney: The Triumph of American Imagination. He was a regular on Fox News Watch and is a frequent contributor to the New York Times and the L.A. Times.

Kevin Garnett (May 19, 1976-Present) - Garnett was named NBA MVP in 2004 and is a 10-time NBA All-Star. He is also an 8-time NBA All Defensive player. In 2008, Garnett won his first NBA Championship as a member of the Boston Celtics.

Dorothy Gaters – The winningest high school basketball coach in IL state history, Gaters has served as the head girls basketball coach at Marshall since 1976. Her overall record is 900-126 with eight state championships and a pair of runner-up finishes. She was Illinois Coach of the Year eight times and is a member of the Women’s Basketball Hall of Fame. In addition to coaching 18 high school All-Americans and three Ms. Illinois Basketball Players, Gaters has coached in the U.S. Olympic Festival and the 1992 WBCA Girls High School All-American Game. Five of her players went on to the WNBA. She recently was awarded the Morgan Wootten Award which is presented annually to a high school basketball coach for lifetime achievement by the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame.

Larry Gelbart (February 25, 1928 – present). A versatile comedy writer and producer, Larry Gelbart is best-known for writing the popular television series M*A*S*H. In a career spanning 60 years, Larry Gelbart has written for radio, television, films and Broadway; winning 3 Tony Awards, 3 Emmy Awards, the Drama Desk Award and the Peabody Award.

George Gobel, (May 20, 1919 - 1991) Graduated from Roosevelt High School in 1937. Mr. Gobel (also known by fans as "Lonesome George") was one of the biggest comedy stars of the 1950's. He was best known as the host of his own weekly NBC television show, The George Gobel Show, from 1954 to 1960 for which he won an Emmy in 1954.

1st. Lt. Harold E. Goettler (July 21, 1890-1918) - One of only four Airmen to win the Medal of Honor in World War 1, Goettler was a 1st Lt. in the US Army Air Corps; 50th Aero Squadron. On October 6, 1918, Goettler and 2d Lt. Erwin R. Bleckley were on their second attempt to deliver supplies to a battalion of the 77th Division in France. "Having been subjected on the first trip to violent fire from the enemy, they attempted on the second trip to come still lower in order to get the packages even more precisely on the designated spot...the plane was brought down by enemy rifle and machine-gun fire from the ground, resulting in the instant death of Lt. Goettler. In attempting and performing this mission, he showed the highest possible contempt of personal danger, devotion to duty, courage and valor." - From Goettler's Medal of Honor Citation.

Arthur Goldberg (August 8, 1908 - 1990) - President Kennedy's first appointed Goldberg Secretary of Labor and later to the U.S. Supreme Court. His time on the court was short because President Johnson asked him to serve as Ambassador to the United Nations. Goldberg, hoped for a reappointment to the court later in his career, but it never came. in 1977, President Carter made Goldberg United States Ambassador to the Belgrade Conference on Human Rights and awarded him the Presidential Medal of Freedom in 1978. In 2008, it was revealed that Goldberg served as a spy in the Office of Strategic Services, a forerunner to the CIA, during World War II.

Benny Goodman (May 30, 1909-1986) - Known as the King of Swing, Goodman was a clarinet player and the preeminent bandleader of his time. He led the first Jazz band to play Carnegie Hall, in what is now considered a landmark event in Jazz history.

Steve Goodman (July 25, 1948-1984) - Not everyone will recognize the name, but if you grew up in Chicago or are a Cubs fan then you know his work. Goodman, a lifelong Cubs fan, penned the cubs theme song "Go Cubs Go," as well as, "A Dying Cub Fan's Last Request," and "When the Cubs Go Marching In." To the rest of the world, Goodman is remembered for his song writing that brought him two posthumous Grammies, and the folk standard "City of New Orleans."

James Grabowski (September 9, 1944 - Present) Jim was a member of the Green Bay Packers when they went on to win the first two "Super Bowls" in January of 1967 and 1968. Jim was also the Rose Bowl MVP in 1964, leading the University of Illinois to victory. He was inducted into the National College Football Hall of Fame in 1995, and the National Academic All-American Hall of Fame in 1998.

Eli Grba (August 9, 1934 - Present) Eli graduated from Bowen and went on to pitch in the 1960 World Series as a member of the New York Yankees. The first player to be selected in the expansion draft.  Went on to play for the Los Angeles Angels.  Coached for the Phillies in their minor leagues.

Yolanda Griffith (March 1, 1970 - Present) - Griffith is a two time Olympic Gold medal winner (2000 and 2004) and WNBA Champion. She was named league MVP in 1999 and Championship series MVP in 2005 when she led the Connecticut Sun to their first championship.

Michael Gross (June 21, 1947-Present) - Michael Gross is an actor best known for his turn as Steven Keaton on the sitcom Family Ties. A classically trained actor, Gross won an Obie award in 1982 for his role in No End of Blame, a Drama Desk Award for Bent and makes frequent forays onto Broadway.

Robert Gruenberg (September 13, 1922 - 1992) - A Pulitzer Prize winning journalist, Gruenberg spent most of his professional career with the Chicago Daily News, from 1941-1978. In between he spent a few years in the Army and with Chicago's American. After the Daily News folded, Gruenberg worked for the National Education Association until his retirement in 1986.

John Gunther (August 30, 1901-1970) - Gunther was one of the most famous journalists of his day with several books topping the New York Times bestseller list. However, it is his memoir Death Be Not Proud about son's battle with a brain tumor for which he is best remembered.

Luis Gutierrez (December 10, 1953 - Present) Recognized Achievement: US Congressman CPS Schools Attended: Walter L. Newberry Academy.

George S. Halas (February 2, 1895-1983) - Halas is the legendary football player and coach of the Chicago Bears who in addition to helping form the NFL, lead the Chicago Bears to eight NFL Championships (now called the Superbowl) as an owner/coach. He was a charter member of the NFL Hall of Fame and the NFC Championship trophy is name in his honor.

Herbie Hancock (April 12, 1940 - Present) - Hancock has earned 10 Grammy Awards and an Oscar in his five decades as a professional musician and is recognized the world over as one of the most important musicians of our time.

Lorraine Hansberry (May 19, 1930-1965) - Hansberry is a 1944 graduate of Ross Elementary and a 1947 graduate of Englewood High School. Her play A Raisin in the Sun won the New York Drama Desk award for New Play and was the first by an African-American woman to be produced on Broadway.

Patricia Roberts Harris (May 31, 1924-1985) - Harris was a trailblazer, becoming the first African American to serve as a delegate to the United Nations, the first African American woman to serve the nation as an Ambassador (to Luxemburg), the first African-American woman to become dean of a law school (Howard University), and the first African American woman to serve in a Presidential cabinet (HUD, HEW).

Sydney J. Harris (September 14, 1917 - 1986) - Harris was a popular journalist for the Chicago Daily News and the Sun-Times. His column Strictly Personal landed him on the Nixon Enemy List and the New York Times Best Seller List. A collection of his columns, On the Contrary, was on the best seller list at the same time as another Tuley grad and dear friend, Saul Bellow.

Kelvin Hayden (July 28, 1983-present) - Playing for the Indianapolis Colts, Hayden's first NFL interception was in Superbowl XLI when he returned a Rex Grossman pass for a touchdown.

Don Hayner - Don Hayner is editor in chief of the Chicago Sun-Times. At the Sun-Times Hayner worked as a general assignment reporter, a personal finance writer, a neighborhood beat reporter and a Sunday features writer. He later became the city editor, metro editor and then managing editor. For five years he co-hosted —with Tom McNamee--a Saturday morning talk radio show for WLS (890AM) in the 1990s. He also co-authored three books with Tom McNamee: Streetwise Chicago, A History of Chicago Street Names; The Metro Chicago Almanac; and the Stadium: 1929-1994, The Official Commemorative History of the Chicago Stadium. Hayner is a graduate of Ripon College and John Marshall Law School.

Hugh M. Hefner, (April 9, 1926 - Present) Founder and former CEO of Playboy Enterprises.  

Kenneth Charles Henry (January 7, 1929 – March 1, 2009) won a gold medal in speed skating at the 1952 Winter Olympics in Oslo, Norway despite a bout with the flu. At the 1968 Olympic Games he coached the U.S. women’s speed-skating team. Mr. Henry received a teaching degree from Northern Illinois University and taught at Austin High School before becoming a pro golfer.

Herbert Block (October 13, 1909 - 2001) - For nearly all of his professional life, Herblock was the preeminent policical cartoonist. He won his first Pulitzer in 1942, two more would follow. He started at the age 19 at the Chicago Daily News. From there he joined the Newspaper Enterprise Association for many years, and finally in 1946 he took up a 55 year residency at the Washington Post. He was awarded the Presidential Medal of Freedom in 1994 and each year the Herb Block Foundation honors excellence in editorial and political cartooning with the Herblock Prize.

Seymour M. Hersh (April 4, 1937 - Present) - A Pulitzer Prize, five George Polk Awards, two National Magazine Awards, and dozens of other prizes honor one of America's most important journalists, Seymour Hersh. The Pulitzer came in 1969 after Hersh exposed the My Lai massacre and coverup during the Vietnam War. From 1972-1979, Hersh worked for the New York Times. Since then, Hersh has operated as a freelance writer, writing eight books and publishing articles in The New Yorker magazine. His most recent book, “Chain of Command,” about Abu Ghraib was on the New York Times best seller list and his articles about the tensions between the U.S. and Iran continue to break new ground.

Joan Higginbotham (August 3, 1964 - Present) Graduated from Whitney M. Young Magnet High School, Chicago, Illinois, in 1982. In 1987, Higginbotham joined the Kennedy Sapce Center where she participated in 53 space shuttle launches during her 9-year tenure. In 1996, she transfered to the Johnson Space Center as an astronaut candidate. She was part of the crew on STS-116 Discovery (December 9-22, 2006). In November 2007, Joan Higginbotham retired from NASA after logging over 300 hours in space.

Milton Hinton (June 23, 1910-2000) - Called by some the greatest jazz bassist ever, Hinton was one of the most recorded artists in history. His legacy includes thousands of recordings over the decades with the biggest names in music: Calloway, Gillespie, Goodman, Ellington, Armstrong, Coltrane, Crosby, Streisand, and McCartney. In addition to his music, Hinton is also remembered for his photographs. In his lifetime, he took over 60,000 photographs of the biggest musicians at various stages in their careers.

Jerome Holtzman (July 12, 1926 - 2008) - One of the most influential and beloved sports writers of all time, Holtzman's name was synonymous with baseball. His most impressive stats include, election to the writer’s wing of Major League Baseball’s Hall of Fame in Cooperstown, NY, nearly 60 years combined reporting for the Chicago Daily News, Sun-Times and Chicago Tribune, serving as Major League Baseball’s first official historian, a byline in more than 1,000 consecutive issues of The Sporting News, authoring the Encyclopedia Britannica entry on baseball, creating the save statistic for pitchers, and writing nine books on baseball, including No Cheering in the Press Box, ‘one the best 100 sports books ever written’ by Sports Illustrated. Additional honors include: serving as national president of the Baseball Writers Association of America (BWAA), and being named Chicago Press Veteran of the Year.

Howard Robert Horvitz (May 8, 1947 - present) - Horvitz shared the 2002 Nobel Prize in Physiology or Medicine for discoveries concerning 'genetic regulation of organ development and programmed cell death.' He is currently Professor of Biology at Massachusetts Institute of Technology and a member of the McGovern Institute for Brain Research.

Jennifer Hudson (September 12, 1981-Present) - Hudson won the 2007 Oscar and Golden Globe for Best Supporting Actress for her role in Dream Girls.

Richard Hunt (September 12, 1935-present) - One of the world's most critically acclaimed sculptors, Hunt's influence on the art world is as much a result of his work outside the studio as it is his groundbreaking pieces. He served on the first National Council of the Arts, a forerunner of the NEA, the National Board of Directors of the Smithsonian Institute and the American Academy of Arts & Letters. Hunt's pieces are exhibited at the Art Institute of Chicago, Chicago, Illinois, The Hirschhorn Museum and Sculpture Garden, the National Gallery and the National Museum of American Art in Washington, D.C., The Metropolitan Museum of Art and The Museum of Modern Art in New York, among others.

Jim Jacobs (January 1, 1942 - present) - Jim Jacobs, along with Warren Casey, wrote Grease a stage play that first performed in Chicago at Kingston Mines Theatre. Producers saw it and suggested it would play better as a musical. After retooling it in New York, Grease went on to win a Tony for Best Book and secured its place as one of the most popular musicals of all times.

Janet Jagan (October 20, 1920 - 2009) - Former President of Guyana, Jagan was the first caucasion and first woman to hold the position. Jagan succeeded her husband, Cheddi Jagan, with whom she first formed their party, People's Progessive Party.

John Jakes (March 31, 1932-present) - The first author ever to have three books on the New York Times Best Seller list, Jakes is the prolific writer behind several popular series, the Kent Family Chronicles, North And South Trilogy and the Crown Family Saga. Jakes has had 18 consecutive best sellers and many of his books have been made into television mini-series.

Mae Jemison (October 17, 1956 - Present) - As part of the space shuttle Endeavor's September 1992 mission, Dr. Jemison became the first woman of color in space. In addition to authoring two books, Jemison started the Jemison Group in 1993 and the Biosentient Group in 1999. She's taught at Cornell University and Dartmouth College and is much sought after speaker.

Ella Jenkins (August 6, 1924-present) - A legendary performer in the world of folk music, Ms. Jenkins specializes in children's music. In 2004, Jenkins was honored with the Grammy Award for Lifetime Achievement, and again in 2005 for best Children's Album. In the last fifty years, Jenkins has recorded over 30 albums and performed around the world. She has performed frequently on Children's programs like Sesame Street, Mister Rogers Neighborhood, and Barney and Friends.

George E. Johnson (June 12, 1927-Present) - In 1971, Johnson Products (make of beauty products) became the first minority owned business to be listed on the American Stock Exchange. Johnson has since dedicated himself to civic leadership, working with organizations like Junior Achievement of Chicago, the Chicago Urban League, the Lyric Opera, Northwestern Memorial Hospital and Operation PUSH. He received Ebony magazine's 1978 American Black Achievement Award, and the 1979 public service award from the Harvard Club for the work of his foundations.

John H. Johnson (January 19, 1918-2005) -  As founder and CEO of Johnson Publishing Company, Johnson created two of the most popular magazines in the world, Ebony and Jet. He also became the first African American to make the Forbes 400 list of wealthiest individuals. He was awarded the Medal of Freedom by President Clinton in 1996.

Quincy Jones (March 14, 1933-present) - 79 Grammy nominations, 27 wins. 7 Oscar Nominations. 1 Emmy, and 1 Kennedy Center Honor. As a prolific and unparalleled musician, song writer, composer, and producer, Quincy Jones is arguably the most influential musician of the last 100 years.

Rickie Lee Jones (November 8, 1954-present) - Jones is one of the most repsected vocalists of her time. After early success in 1979 with songs like Chuck E's in Love, and winning a Grammy for Best New Artist, Rickie Lee expanded into other musical styles and earned another Grammy in 1989 for Best Vocal Jazz Performance. VH1 ranked Jones #30 on their list of Women Rock and Rollers.

Dan Jorndt (1941-Present) - As President (1990) then CEO of Walgreens 1998-2002, Jorndt helped guide Walgreens through 28 consecutive years of growth, including a 700% return for investors between the years 1991 and 2001.

Carmel Bernon Harvey Jr. (October 6, 1946-1967) - Specialist Fourth Class, U.S. Army, Company B, 1st Battalion, 5th Cavalry, 1st Cavalry Division (Airmobile). Vietnam, 1967, [from Harvey's Medal of Honor Citation] "Harvey distinguished himself as a fire team leader with Company B, during combat operations. Ordered to secure a downed helicopter, his platoon established a defensive perimeter around the aircraft, but shortly thereafter a large enemy force attacked the position from 3 sides. Sp4c. Harvey and 2 members of his squad were in a position directly in the path of the enemy onslaught, and their location received the brunt of the fire from an enemy machinegun. In short order, both of his companions were wounded, but Sp4c. Harvey covered this loss by increasing his deliberate rifle fire at the foe. The enemy machinegun seemed to concentrate on him and the bullets struck the ground all around his position. One round hit and armed a grenade attached to his belt. Quickly, he tried to remove the grenade but was unsuccessful. Realizing the danger to his comrades if he remained and despite the hail of enemy fire, he jumped to his feet, shouted a challenge at the enemy, and raced toward the deadly machinegun. He nearly reached the enemy position when the grenade on his belt exploded, mortally wounding Sp4c. Harvey, and stunning the enemy machinegun crew. His final act caused a pause in the enemy fire, and the wounded men were moved from the danger area. Sp4c. Harvey's dedication to duty, high sense of responsibility, and heroic actions inspired the others in his platoon to decisively beat back the enemy attack. His acts are in keeping with the highest traditions of the military service and reflect great credit upon himself and the U.S. Army."

Dr. James C. Griggs Jr. (1930-2008) - Griggs, a lifelong Chicagoan, climbed the academic ladder to the presidency of Malcolm X College. Along the way he received his bachelor's degree from Roosevelt College, a masters degree from Chicago State University, a law degree from DePaul University and a PhD in education from Southern Illinois University. He is remembered for his tireless work in getting low achieving students motivated and into college.

Frederick "Fritz" Pollard, Jr. (February 18, 1915-2003) - Son of the legendary Fritz Pollard, Sr. (also on the CPS Honor Roll) the younger Pollard made his name in track and won bronz medal in the 1936 Olympics in the 110 meter hurdles.

Robert Henry Lawrence, Jr. (October 2, 1935-1967) - The first African-American astronaut, Lawrence graduated from Englewood High School and went on to earn his doctorate in chemistry from Ohio State University. He died in a plane crash while working as an instructor pilot for the Edwards Air Force base in California. Lawrence earned the Air Force recommendation Medal, the Air Force Outstanding Unit Citation, and was posthumously awarded the Purple Heart medal. The Robert H. Lawrence Elementary School in Chicago is named in his honor.

Walter A. Netsch Jr. (February 23, 1920-2008) - Awarded the 25 Year prize from the American Institute of Architects for his highly regarded Air Force Academy chapel, Netsch studied at MIT before eventually joining the renowned offices of Skidmore Owings and Merrill. His Inland Steel building was the first sky scraper built in Chicago after the depression and is widely regarded for its use of steel as part of the aesthetic. Netsch's work was not without controversy, in particular his work for UIC created a firestorm. Netsch is also well known to Chicagoan's for his foray into politics, serving as Chicago Park District's board president under Harold Washington.

Terry Kath (January 31, 1946 - 1978) - As one of the founding members of the band Chicago, Terry Kath was instrumental in the band's early success. Though his life ended too soon, his legacy is solidified with the twelve albums he created with Chicago and the 1976 Grammy.

Anne Kavanagh - A 20 year veteran of Fox News, Kavanagh's awards include Emmy's and the Peter Lisagor award. In addition to contributing frequently to national publications, Kavanagh currently reports for the morning and noon newscasts and special reports for the nine o' clock news.

Annette Rogers Kelly (October 22, 1913-2006) - Kelly won Gold in the 1932 and 1936 Olympics as part of the Track and Field 400 meter relay team.

Johnny“Red” Kerr (July 17, 1932 - 2009) – Kerr’s basketball career began at Tilden High School where he led the team to a Public League Championship. Next he played at Illinois where he helped the school to a Big 10 Championship and an NCAA Final Four appearance. From 1954 to 1966, Kerr played for the Syracuse Nationals (which became the 76ers) leading them to a NBA Championship, and becoming a 3 time All-Star. When the Chicago Bulls joined the NBA, Kerr became their first coach and won the NBA Coach of the Year Award. When Kerr left coaching, he began a thirty-three year broadcasting career as a commentator for the Chicago Bulls. Kerr’s honors include a sculpture in the United Center, the Basketball Hall of Fame's John W. Bunn Lifetime Achievement Award.

Chaka Khan (March 23, 1953-Present) - Khan (born Yvette Marie Stevens) began her career as a member of Rufus, a popular 70's funk band. She won one of her eight Grammy's with the group, before moving on to a successful solo career. Her numerous collaborations include working with Herbie Hancock, a graduate of Hyde Park.

Harvey Korman (February 15, 1927 - 2008) - Korman won 4 Emmys and a Golden Globe for his work on the Carol Burnett Show. His filmography includes Mel Brook's Blazing Saddles and History of the World Part I.

Irv Kupcinet (July 31, 1912 - 2003) - Kupcinet began his 68 year career in 1935 as a sports writer for the Chicago Daily Times, and added a gossip column 1943 that became Kup's Column. When the times became the Chicago Sun-Times, Kup's column stayed and was syndicated to over 100 newspapers. In the 50's, Kup added television talk show host to his resume and went on to host several poplular shows syndicated to over 70 stations. His shows At Random and Kup's Show earned 15 Emmy Awards and a Peabody Award. From booth 1 at the famous Pump Room restaurant in Chicago, Kupcinet had a steady stream of the world's most notable and powerful people visiting him. Kupcinet was elected in Chicago's Journalism Hall of Fame in 1982.

Jewel LaFontant-MANkarious (b. Jewel Stradford) (April 28, 1922-1997) - A third generation lawyer, LaFontant-MANkarious blazed a trail of first for women and African-Americans. Following is condensed timeline of her career. In 1946 she became the first African-American woman to receive a Doctor of Laws degree from the University of Chicago. 1948, joined the Board of Directors for the ACLU. 1955 first African-American woman named Assistant U.S. Attorney. 1973, appointed delegate to the United Nations General Assembly. 1973-75 First woman appointed Deputy Solicitor General of the United States. 1989, Member of the State Department as Ambassador-at-Large and Coordinator for Refugee Affairs. LaFontant-MANkarious served on over 20 corporate boards in her lifetime, including the Board of Directors for Ariel Capital Management, a firm started by her son John Rogers, Jr.

Meyer Levin (October 7, 1905 - 1981) - Levin  began is career in journalism working for the Chicago Daily News as reporter and quickly graduated up to columnist. He wrote 15 books during his career, most notably The Old Bunch and Compulsion. Levin covered WWII as a foreign correspondent for several outlets, where he witnessed the liberation of several concentration camps. Immediately following the war, Levin directed the influential documentary The Illegals. Levin's book Compulsion, about the Leopold and Lobe case, is credited with starting the genre known as the nonfiction novel. The book was later turned into a popular play and movie. Levin was one of the first to read and champion the Diary of Anne Frank, and the first to turn it into a play. A series of events led to his play being spurrned and another version winning the Pulitzer. Levin was devastated by these events and never found peace on the issue. The last years of Levin's life were spent in Isreal where he wrote several more books, including The Architect.

Marvin Levy (August 3, 1925-present) - As the only coach to compete in four Superbowls in a row, Levy cemented his legacy as one of the best football coaches of all time. Coaching the Buffalo Bills at the time, Levy also won 6 division championships in the same era. As a CFL coach, Levy won 2 out of 3 championships he competed in during his five years in the league.

Ramsey Lewis (May 27, 1935-present) - One of the most celebrated jazz musicians in world, Lewis has recorded over 80 albums, including 8 Gold Records, and many of them with the Ramsey Lewis Trio. He won 3 Grammys for the songs Wade In The Water, Hang On Sloopy, and The In Crowd. In addition to his touring and charitable works, Lewis hosts the nationally syndicated Ramsey Lewis Morning Show on over 60 radio stations. In 2006, Lewis was also the host of a 13-episode television special entitled Legends of Jazz.

Arlene Limas won a Gold Medal in Tae Kwon Do at the 1988 Olympic Games in Seoul, Korea. A gifted musician, as she stood on the podium to accept her medal, she sang the United States national anthem without musical accompaniment due to an equipment failure. She holds a degree in political science from De Paul University and currently owns a martial arts school in the Washington, D.C. area.

Peter Lisagor (August 5, 1905 - 1976) - Every year the Chicago Headline Club chapter of the Society of Professional Journalists hands out awards for superior contributions to journalism, the Peter Lisagor Award. Lisagor served as the Chicago Daily News' Washington bureau chief from 1959 to 1976. His syndicated column and appearances on "Meet the Press," "Face the Nation" and "Washington Week in Review" earned him a national audience. A Nieman Fellow, Lisagor's honors included the Newspaper Guild's Page One award, the George Foster Peabody Broadcasting award, the William Allen White Award and Edward Weintal Prize for diplomatic reporting.

David Mamet (November 30, 1947-Present) - The winner of 3 Obie Awards, Mamet's play, Glengarry Glenn Ross won the Pulitzer for Drama in 1984. He is among the most influential dramatist working today, with Chicago being a common setting for many of his plays. Mamet has become a fixture on the Huffington Post, adding drawings and occasional commentary.

Michael Mann (February 5, 1943-present) - A tour de force in Hollywood since the late 60's, Mann has found success as a writer, director and producer. He has been nominated for 4 Academy Awards and 2 Emmy Awards. His directing credits include Heat with Robert DiNero and Al Pacino, Ali with Will Smith, Collateral with Tom Cruise, The Insider with Russell Crowe, and the Last of the Mohicans with Daniel Day-Lewis.

Harry M. Markowitz (August 24, 1927-present) - Dr. Markowitz has applied computer and mathematical techniques to various practical decision making areas. In finance: in an article in 1952 and a book in 1959 he presented what is now referred to as MPT, “modern portfolio theory.” This has become a standard topic in college courses and texts on investments, and is widely used by institutional investors for asset allocation, risk control and attribution analysis. In other areas: Dr. Markowitz developed “sparse matrix” techniques for solving very large mathematical optimization problems. These techniques are now standard in production software for optimization programs. Dr. Markowitz also designed and supervised the development of the SIMSCRIPT programming language. SIMSCRIPT has been widely used for programming computer simulations of systems like factories, transportation systems and communication networks. In 1989 Dr. Markowitz received The John von Neumann Award from the Operations Research Society of America for his work in portfolio theory, sparse matrix techniques and SIMSCRIPT. In 1990 he shared The Nobel Prize in Economics for his work on portfolio theory.

Virginia Marmaduke (June 21, 1908-2001) - Known as the Duchess, Marmaduke was a pioneer in the world of journalism. She was the first woman on the Chicago Sun's editorial staff, the first woman in Chicago with a sports byline, one of Chicago's first female crime reporters, and the first woman named Press Veteran of the Year by the Chicago Press Veterans Association. Over the course of her career, Marmaduke moved from the Chicago Sun to the Sun-Times, to the Chicago Tribune - where she eventually hosted a radio and television show.

Lynn Martin (December 26, 1939 - Present) - Martin's long and distinguished career as a public servant is highlighted by her time as Secretary of Labor and her service as Illinois Congressman for the 16th District. Martin also served in the IL General Assembly as a Representative and Senator. Outside of politics, Martin has served on the board of several companies, including SBC, Proctor & Gamble, and TRW to name a few and as a trustee of the Lincoln Park Zoo.

Russell J. Maryland was born March 22, 1969 in Chicago, Illinois. He is a former American football player in the NFL. During his ten-year career, he played for the Oakland Raiders, Dallas Cowboys, and the Green Bay Packers.

Curtis Mayfield (June 3, 1942-1999) - One of only 13 musicians inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame twice. He first entered in 1991 as a member of The Impressions and again in 1999 as a solo artist. In 1994 Mayfield was honored at the Grammys with the Lifetime Achievement Award recognizing his tremendous influence on decades of musicians. His album Superfly is widely credited with ushering in the rap and hip-hop movement.

Terry McCann (March 23, 1934-2006) - 1960 Olympic Gold Medal winner in Wrestling. Before that, McCann was a 3-time city champion, two-time NCAA champion. As coach of the Mayor Daley Youth Foundation the club won six national freestyle and five Greco-Roman championships in seven years. McCann also spent 26 years as Executive Director of Toastmasters International.

Leo Melamed (1932 - present) - Founder of the Financial Futures Market, Melamed was named one of the ten most important Chicagoans in business of the 20th Century by the Chicago Tribune and Pensions & Investments said he was one of 30 individuals whose contribution "made the most dramatic difference" in the management of money during the last 100 years. He bagan life on the run from Nazi's in Poland and went on to serve as chairman of the Chicago Mercantile Exchange during which time he launched currency futures and created the International Monetary Market (IMM)-the world's first futures market for financial instruments. Melamed also introduced Globex, the first futures electronic trading system. Today, Melamed is Chairman & CEO of Melamed & Associates, Inc., Chairman Emeritus of the CME Group, and an important force behind the United States Holocaust Memorial Museum.

Richard W. Mies (May 30, 1944-Present) - Admiral Mies completed a distinguished 35-year career in the US Navy.  He commanded US Strategic Command for four years prior to retirement.  As Commander in Chief, he was directly responsible for the command and control of the Nation’s strategic nuclear forces supporting the national security objective of strategic deterrence.

Admiral Mies has a unique breadth and depth of operational and policy experience in undersea and strategic warfare.  He has held both US and Allied commands at senior military levels.  After completing training for submarine duty, he served on two nuclear attack submarines and a ballistic missile submarine before commanding the nuclear attack submarine, USS SEA DEVIL.  He subsequently served in a wide range of distinctive command positions including Commander Submarine Development Squadron TWELVE, Commander, Submarine Group EIGHT and Commander, Allied Submarines, Mediterranean, and Commander, Submarine Force, U.S. Atlantic Fleet and Commander, Submarine Allied Command, Atlantic.

His staff positions included duty on the staff of Commander in Chief, U. S. Atlantic Fleet, Executive Assistant to the Assistant Chief of Naval Operations (Undersea Warfare), Chief of Staff to Commander Submarine Force, U. S. Pacific Fleet, and Director Strategic Target Plans and Deputy Director Plans and Policy on the staff of Commander in Chief, U. S. Strategic Command.

Admiral Mies is one of a few flag officers to complete qualification as both a submariner and naval aviation observer.  In addition to unit and service awards, his decorations include the Defense Distinguished Service Medal, Navy Distinguished Service Medal, Defense Superior Service Medal (two awards), Legion of Merit (four awards), National Intelligence Distinguished Service Medal, Meritorious Service Medal (two awards), Navy Commendation Medal (four awards), Navy Achievement Medal, and Secretary of Energy Gold Medal.

Admiral Mies is a native of Chicago, Illinois.  A distinguished scholar and athlete, he graduated first in his class with highest honors from the U. S. Naval Academy. He holds a Bachelor of Science degree with majors in mechanical engineering and mathematics.  An intercollegiate wrestling champion and a lightweight football player, he was awarded the Thompson Trophy for contributing the most to the promotion of athletics at the Naval Academy.  He has completed post-graduate education at Oxford University, England, the Fletcher School of Law and Diplomacy, and Harvard University.  He holds a Masters degree in government administration and international relations; he also holds an Honorary Doctorate of Law degree from the University of Nebraska.  His professional education includes the Flag Officers’ Capstone course, the program for Senior Executives in National and International Security at Harvard University, and the Joint Flag Officer Warfighting course.

Following retirement from the Navy, Admiral Mies served as a Senior Vice President and Deputy Group President of Science Applications International Corporation (SAIC) and as the President and Chief Executive Officer of Hicks and Associates, Inc, a wholly owned subsidiary of SAIC. He presently serves as the CEO and President of The Mies Group, LTD.  Admiral Mies serves as the Chairman of the Department of Defense Threat Reduction Advisory Committee, the Chairman of the Board of the Navy Mutual Aid Association and the Naval Submarine League, a member of the Committee on International Security and Arms Control of the National Academy of Sciences, a member of the Board of Governors of Los Alamos National Laboratory and Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory, and a member of the Board of Directors of Mutual of Omaha Insurance Company, McDermott International, and Exelon Corporation.  He also serves on numerous advisory boards.  

Don Myrick (1948-1993) - As a member of the original horn section for Earth, Wind and Fire, Myrick won a Grammy for Best R&B Instrumental.

Sunder Lamont Nix (December 2, 1961 – Present), a 1984 Olympic Gold Medalist for men’s 4x400 meter relay race, earned a degree in Criminal Justice at Indiana University and is currently Assistant Coach of men’s track and field for Ball State University.

A popular and often controversial sports media personality, North got his start in radio with the "NFL Handicap Show" on WSBC in 1990. Then, in 1992, he moved to The Score Sports Radio 820. In 1999, Mike began hosting "The Mike North Show", on WSCR. In addition to his radio work, North has hosted shows on WJYS TV channel 62,, WBBM-TV channel 2, and on CLTV. North’s honors include two Emmys and four Achievement in Radio Awards. Currently North is currently hosting a morning show with his long time partner, Dan Jiggetts on Comcast Sportsnet.

Suze Orman (June 5, 1951 - Present) - Suze has been called “a force in the world of personal finance” and a “one-woman financial advice powerhouse” by USA Today. A two-time Emmy Award-winning television host, New York Times mega bestselling author, magazine and online columnist, writer/producer, and one of the top motivational speakers in the world today, Orman is undeniably America's most recognized expert on personal finance. Orman is the contributing editor to “O” The Oprah Magazine, the Costco Connection Magazine and for the last eight years host of the award winning Suze Orman Show, which airs every Saturday night on CNBC. Over her television career Suze has accomplished that which no other television personality ever has before. Not only is she the single most successful fundraiser in the history of Public Television, but she has also garnered an unprecedented six Gracie awards, more than anyone in the 34-year history of this prestigious award. The Gracies recognize the nation's best radio, television, and cable programming for, by, and about women. In October 2008 Orman was the recipient of the National Equality Award from the Human Rights Campaign. In May 2008 Time Magazine named Orman as one of the TIME 100, The World’s Most Influential People. In April 2008 Orman was presented with the Amelia Earhart Award for her message of financial empowerment for women and Saturday Night Live spoofed Suze three times during 2008. Orman who grew up on the South Side of Chicago earned a bachelor’s degree in social work at the University of Illinois and at the age of 30 was still a waitress making $400 a month.

William S. Paley (September 28, 1901-1990) - Paley grew his family's ownership of several radio stations into the media conglomerate CBS. As chief executive he established many innovative business practices that continue to influence television and media companies today.

Mandy Patinkin (November 30, 1952-present) -  Tony Award, Ace Award, Emmy Award. Mandy Patinkin made his mark as Che Guevara in Evita, winning the 1979 Tony Award for Featured Actor in a Musical. He was nominated for a Tony again in 1984 and 2000. His film and TV highlights include an Emmy Award for Actor in a Drama for Chicago Hope and an Ace Award for Sunday in the Park with George. An acclaimed recording artist, Patinkin has recorded seven solo albums.

Deval Patrick (July 31, 1956-present) - Governor Patrick attended Harvard University and Law school and soon after graduation began his carrer as a law clerk then as a lawyer for the NAACP. His work there led him to Bill Clinton who appointed Patrick Assistant Attorney General for the Civil Rights Division in 1994. In later years Patrick worked in private practice and on behalf of several Fortune 100 companies like Coca Cola and United Airlines. Patrick became only the second African-American in U.S. History to be elected state governor when he easily won the Massachusetts race in 2006.

Lillian Marguerite Tynes Perry (b. 1950) is a graduate of Lindblom Tech High School and James McCosh Elementary School where she later taught. She earned a B.A. in Psychology from Lake Forest College, and a Master of Arts in Teaching from Northwestern University. She currently serves on the California Commission on Teacher Credentialing, appointed in 2006 by the Honorable Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger. She has successfully balanced dual careers in education and the entertainment industry as a singer/songwriter. She has been a professional union (AFTRA/SAG) vocalist since her second year of college. She has performed and toured with Chicago artists, i.e., Walter Jackson, Ramsey Lewis, Earth Wind & Fire and the Emotions during the 70's, and has traveled the world as a concert vocalist. She moved to California after performing with The National Touring Company of The Wiz. She performed the background vocals on the Grammy Award winning soundtrack of the film 'Happy Feet'. She has been married since 1985 to world renown entertainer, Phil Perry, and is the mother of four young adults (ages 17-23). She is founder of The PhiLill Foundation, a 501(c)(3) charity established in 2003. Commissioner Perry maintains dual residences in Chicago and Southern California.

Tonya Pinkins was born May 30, 1962 in Chicago, IL. She is best known for playing the character of Livia Frye on All My Children. Tonya Pinkins is a Tony Award winner for her performance as Sweet Anita in Jelly's Last Jam and was nominated for her role in Play On.  She won a Drama Desk Award for her performance in Caroline or Change.

Fritz Pollard (January 27, 1894-1986) - Pollard was one of the first two African-Americans to play in the NFL and the first African-American to coach in the NFL. As a player he led his team to the championship (before it was called the Superbowl) and after a long coaching career, he was inducted into both the College Football and the Pro Football Halls of Fame.

Cappie Pondexter (January 7, 1983 - Present) - Pondexter was named MVP of the 2007 WNBA Championships for her part in leading the Phoenix Mercuries to the title. In high school she was the first player to win back-to-back Miss Basketball titles in Illinois and at Rutgers she was named an All-American. In the Summer 2008 Olympics, Pondexter won Gold as part of the USA's Women's Basketball Team.

Abram Nicholas Pritzker (January 6, 1896-1986) - Abram was a successful businessman who started the Hyatt chain of hotels and whose other properties included Royal Caribbean and TransUnion. His many philanthropic acts included the establishment of the Pritzker School of Medicine at the University of Chicago, and the creation of the Pritzker Prize, the top prize in architecture.

Pucinski, Roman (May 13, 1919 - 2002 ) - Pucinski earned disticntion in WWII as a pilot in the Air Force. He returned to Chicago and worked as a journalist for the Chicago Times and Chicago Sun-Times. In 1952, Puckinski was elected as a Democrat to the Eighty-sixth Congress, Pucinski served IL in the U.S. House of Representatives from 1959 to 1973. His 1972 run for the U.S. Senate was not sucessful and Puncinski was appointed to the National Advisory Council on Vocational Education. Puncinksi then served as an alderman from 1973-1991.

Kirby Puckett (March 14, 1960-2006) - Puckett ended his high school baseball career as an All-American third baseman. He attended Bradley University and Triton Jr. College before being drafted by the Minnesota Twins in 1982. He spent his entire career with Minnesota, winning two World Series Championships, six golden gloves, MVP of the 1993 All-Star Game, as well as being selected an all star in 10 straight seasons. His number was retired by the Twins and Puckett was elected to the Baseball Hall of Fame on his first ballot.

Lou Rawls (December 1, 1933-2006) - Rawls career included over 60 albums, which sold over 40 million copies. During that time he earned three Grammy awards and 13 Grammy nominations, one platinum album, five gold albums and a gold single. He collaborated several times with CPS alumni Sam Cooke.

Eugene Record (born on December 23, 1940-2005) - Record was one of the leading creative forces behind the Chi-Lites and their hits "Oh Girl" and "Have You Seen Her". In strange twist of fate, Record would not earn a Grammy until 2004 when Beyonce used his song "Are You My Woman" in her song "Crazy In Love."

Julius B. Richmond (September 26, 1916-2008) - Appointed Surgeon General by President Jimmy Carter in 1977, Richmond is best remembered for starting Project Head Start in 1965 and serving as its first director. As a pediatrician, Richmond was influenced by the Brown vs. Board of Education ruling to try and counter the affects of poverty on the development of children. Richmond was also one of the major influences behind the warning label on cigarettes. Among his many honors, Richmond served as the John D. MacArthur Professor of Health Policy Emeritus at Harvard University.

Jeremy Rifkin (1943-Present) - Founder of The Foundation on Economic Trends, Rifkin has authored 17 books, many of them international bestsellers, and is one of the most influential economists in the world. The National Journal named him one of the 150 most influential shapers of federal governmental policies. Rifkin's monthly column on global issues appears in newspapers around the world, and he frequently testifies before Congress on a variety of issues.

Walter Ris (January 4, 1923 – present) won two gold medals for swimming at the 1948 Olympics. While a student at Crane he joined the football team and the swimming team. Although recruited to play football at the University of Illinois, he joined the Navy and after WWII ended he attended the University of Iowa.

Mike Royko (September 19, 1932-1997) - One of Chicago's most storied newspapermen, Royko won the Pulitzer while writing for the Daily News. When that paper folded, he moved to the Chicago Sun-Times. Eventually, he ended up a fixture on page two of the Chicago Tribune.

William Russo (June 25, 1928 – 2003) – A legendary composer, musician and educator, Russo’s lasting contributions to jazz and classical music include compositions like Halls of Brass, the rock cantata The Civil War, and Symphony No. 2 in C (TITANS). Russo began composing at the age of 13 and by 1950 was playing and arranging for the legendary Stan Kenton Orchestra. He went on to found the London Jazz Orchestra, The Chicago Jazz Ensemble, and Columbia College’s music department – where he was the college’s first full-time faculty member. Russo was also the Director of Orchestral Studies at Scuola Europea d’Orchestra Jazz in Palermo, Italy. Russo received a Grammy Award for Lifetime Achievement, a career that included more than 200 compositions, over 30 recordings of his work, and three books: Composing for the Jazz Orchestra; Jazz Composition and Orchestration; and Composing Music: A New Approach.

Pat Sajak (October 26, 1946 - Present) - Born Partrick Sajdak, he is a three time Emmy winner and host of the number one syndicated television program The Wheel of Fortune. Sajak started his career while at Columbia College in Chicago when he worked as a night newsman for WEDC. In 1968, Sajak worked for Armed Forces Radio. In the 70’s Sajak spent time in Nashville working for WSM and then moved to Los Angeles to serve as the weatherman for KNBC. In 1981 he was approached by Merg Griffin to host Wheel of Fortune.

Stuart Schwartz – In his 39 years with ABC News, Schwartz has won has won 12 Emmy Awards, 4 Peabody Awards, and 2 DuPont Awards. Currently he is the senior broadcast producer for ABC News where he works primarily with Good Morning America. His ABC resume includes serving as senior producer or producer for Prime Time Live, 20/20, Day One, ABC’s Special Projects Unit, World News Tonight, Nightline, and the ABC Evening News and Weekend News. Schwartz started his career in Chicago as a producer and writer for WLS-TV and Radio and the Chicago bureau of the Wall Street Journal.

Bernard Shaw (May 22, 1940-present) - CNN Anchor Emeritus, Shaw is one of the most respected and celebrated journalists of his era, and was a fixture of CNN's rise to prominence. He is best known for his live reports from Tiananmen Square in 1989 and Iraq at the start of the 1991 Gulf War, and as the host of CNN's Inside Politics and The World Today. Shaw received two Emmys, a Peabody Award, and in 2007 the Lifetime Achievement Award from the National Association of Black Journalists.

Sidney Sheldon (February 11, 1917-2007) - "Sheldon has over 200 television scripts, twenty-five major motion pictures, six Broadway plays, eighteen novels (which have sold over 300 million copies) and one memoir to his credit, ranking him as one of the world's most prolific writers." - www.Sidney Sheldon.com. Born Sidney Schechtel, Sheldon's prolific writing career began at age 10. By the time of his death, Sheldon had conquered Broadway, Hollywood, the New York Times Best Seller list and even the Guinness Book of World Records, earning an Oscar, a Tony, an Edgar Allen Poe Award and a Hollywood Star along the way.

Shel (Sheldon) Silverstein (September 25, 1930-1999) - Silverstein was an author, poet, and musician. His book of children's poetry A Light in the Attic spent a record 182 weeks on the New York Times Best Seller list. He won a Grammy for his collaboration with Johnny Cash on a Boy Named Sue.

Roger Simon (March 29, 1948 - Present) – Simon is currently the Chief Political Columnist of politico.com. He’s written for numerous outlets including: the Chicago Sun-Times and Tribune, The Washington Post, Washington Monthly, Baltimore Sun, The New York Times, The New Republic, and U.S. News & World Report. Additionally, Simon is a New York Times best selling author whose books include: "Simon Says: The Best of Roger Simon" "Show Time" and "Divided We Stand," He is a regular guest on shows like "Meet the Press," "Good Morning America," "Charlie Rose Show," the "Today" Show, and CNN’s "Lou Dobbs." Simon’s many honors include: American Bar Association's Silver Gavel Award (3 wins), Peter Lisagor Award from the Chicago Headline Club (3 wins), Page One Award from the Chicago Newspaper Guild (8 wins) and also was the first non-black journalist to win a national writing award from the National Association of Black Journalists. Simon is the only two-time winner of the American Society of Newspaper Editors Distinguished Writing Award for Commentary. In 1999, Simon was inducted into the Chicago Journalism Hall of Fame.

Scott Simon (March 16, 1952-Present) - A Peabody and Emmy Award winning journalist, Simon is currently host of National Public Radio's Weekend Edition. He is a frequent host of television specials for PBS ("Voices of Vision", "Life on the Internet") and BBC Television ( the series "Eyewitness" and a special on the White House Press Corps). In addition to radio and television, Simon is a respected and popular author. His best selling books include Home and Away: Memoir of a Fan, Jackie Robinson and the Integration of Baseball, and Pretty Birds. His most recent book, "Windy City," is set in Chicago and features two teenage sisters who attend Senn High School. References to other CPS schools are scattered throughout the book.

Seymour Simon (August 10, 1915 - September 26, 2006). Seymour Simon served as alderman of Chicago's 40th Ward from 1955 to 1961 and on the Cook County Board from 1962 to 1966.. He was reelected to the Chicago City Council in 1967 and continued in that office until elected to the Appellate Court in 1974. He served 14 years as an Illinois appellate court judge and Illinois Supreme Court justice.

Carole Simpson (December 7, 1940-present) - An Emmy Award winning journalist, Simpson is the former host of ABC's World News Tonight Sunday and host of numerous ABC news specials. Her list of awards includes the Joseph Medill Distinguished Journalism Award, Journalist of the Year in 1992 from the National Association of Black Journalists, and she was inducted into the Chicago Journalism Hall of Fame. Simpson serves on the board, and was a founding member of, the International Women's Media Foundation.

Bob Sirott -(August 9, 1949 - Present) A staple of Chicago broadcasting since 1966, (the year he began working as a page for NBC, while in high school) he worked as a page for NBC. Sirott currently hosts WGN Radio's Noon Show and co-hosts the WGN Sunday Night Radio Special with his wife Marianne Murciano. Along the way Sirott has alternated between radio and television, working for WBBM Radio, WLS Radio, WTTW TV, Fox TV, CBS, and most recently, NBC  Television. In addition to many local Emmys and a national Emmy, Sirott received the Peter Lisagor Award for his reporting on the death of John Lennon

Gene Siskel (January 26, 1946-1999) - As one half of the movie critic duo, Siskel and Ebert, and as movie reviewer for the Chicago Tribune, Gene Siskel was one of the most influential critics in the world. The Film Center in Chicago, one of his passions, was renamed the Gene Siskel Film Center in his memory. Together with Roger Ebert, Siskel earned 1 Emmy and 6 Emmy nominations.

Charles (Chuck) Smith (March 7, 1938 - Present), graduated January, 1956 from Parker High.He is the resident director of The Goodman Theatre in Chicago and an associate producer of Legacy Productios, a Chicago-based touring company. Goodman credits include the Chicago premiers Proof and The Story; The world premiers of By the Music of the Spheres and The Gift Horse; James Balswin's The Amen Corner,Lorraine Hansberry's A Raisin in the Sun; Peal Cleage's Blues for an Alabama Sky;August Wilson's Ma Rainey's Black Bottom; the 1993-1995 productions of A Christmas Carol; Crumbs From the Table of Joy; Vivisections from a Blown Mind;and The Meeting. He served as dramaturg for the world-premiere production of August Wilson's Gem of the Ocean at the Goodman. He Directed Knock Me a Kiss at Victory Gardens Theater, where his directing credits include Master Harold and the Boys, Home, Dame Lorraine and Eden,for which he received a Jeff Award nomination for best direction. He won a Chicago Emmy Award as associate producter/theatrial director for the NBC teleplay Crime of Innocence and was theatrical diretor for the Emmy Award-winning Fast Break to Glory and the Emmy Award-nominated The Martin Luther King Suite.Mr. Smith is a 2003 inductee into the Chicago State University Gwendolyn Brooks Center's Litery Hall of Fame and a 2001 Chicago Tribune Chicagoan of the Year. He is the proud reciepient of the 1982 Paul Robeson Award and the 1997 Award of Merit presented by the Black Theater Alliance of Chicago. He is currently a board member of Sullivan House, the League of Chicago Theatres and the African American Arts Alliance of Chicago.

Mercedes Soler, a five time Emmy Award winning journalist, is one of the most repsected and recognizable Latina journalists in the world. Among U.S. Hispanics, Soler is more recognizable than Oprah, in part because of her dozens of interviews with Latin American Presidents and investigative reporting that caused national incidents in Chile and Argentina. Soler has 15 Emmy nominations to her credit and as well as an Associated Press award and the Hispanic Media’s Most Influential Journalist’s award. Soler, as part of the Miami Bombshells, is author of Dish and Tell, Life, Love and Secrets.

Dr. Susan Solomon (January 19, 1956-present) - As the lead scientist of NOAA's 1986 emergency expedition to Antarctica to study the hole in the Ozone layer, Dr. Solomon was instrumental in identifying and helping to educate the world about the dangers of CFC's to the earth's atmosphere. Solomon's love for science took off in high school when she took third place in a national science fair and was nurtured at the Illinois Institute of Technology (I.I.T.). She won the National Medal of Science in 1999 and was part of the 2007 Nobel Peace Prize winning team. Solomon is currently head of the Chemistry and Climate Processes Group of the NOAA Chemical Sciences Division.

Mavis Staples (July 10, 1939 - present) - One of the leading Gospel and Blues singers of her generation, Staples began her career singing with her family as part of the famed Staple Singers. Famous for songs like "I'll Take You There", and "Let's Do It Again," The Staple Singers won a Lifetime Achievment Grammy in 2005. On her own, Staples has had an equally impressive career, working alongside artists like Prince, and Curtis Mayfield and hitting the charts with songs like Have a Little Faith. Mavis Staples was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 1999.

Louis "Studs" Terkel (May 16, 1912 - 2008) - For many, Studs Terkel is synonymous with Chicago. His book, The Good War, won the 1985 Pulitzer for New Work. His volume and quality of work across all media, especially his popular radio program on WFMT, have made him one of Chicago's most venerated voices. Learn more at www.studsterkel.org.

Ernie Terrell (April 4, 1939-Present) - Terrell's time as the World Boxing Association's Heavyweight Champion was marked by controversy, having won the title after Muhammad Ali was stripped of it in 1965. He held the title until 1967 when Ali won it back in one of the most infamous boxing matches of all time. Terrell also had much success as a record producer and singer.

Eddie Thomas (November 5, 1931-present) - Thomas got his start in the music business as the manager of the Impressions and quickly started his own record label Curtom Records with another CPS alum Curtis Mayfield. From there, Thomas branched into record promotions creating Thomas Associates and worked with many of music's biggest names, Ray Charles, Quincy Jones, and Barry White. He won a Peabody Award for the Rise and Fall of Vee-Jay Records. In addition to music, Thomas is an award-winning poet.

Burr Tillstrom (October 13, 1917-1985) - Creator of the Kukla, Fran and Ollie Show, which featured Tillstrom's puppets. The show entertained audiences for decades and won two Emmy's and a Peabody Award.

Mel Torme (September 13, 1925-1999) - Torme was a prolific songwriter, performer and actor with over 250 songs to his credit and dozens of movie and television appearances. He co-wrote The Christmas Song, one of the most beloved Christmas songs of all time as recorded by Nat King Cole (who is also an alumnus of CPS).

Dorothy Tucker - A nine time Emmy award winner, Tucker has been a reporter for CBS 2 Chicago since 1984. Her long career has included stops in Pittsburgh, Denver, Memphis, and Peoria. Tucker has been honored by the Chicago Association of Black Journalists for Outstanding Television Reporting (1994 and 87) and has received a national UPI Spot News Award. She is on the board of NABJ-Chicago (National Association of Black Journalists) and is currently a member of Northwestern University's Council of One Hundred.

Keena Turner (October 22, 1958-present) - As a member of the San Francisco 49ers from 1980 to 1990, Turner won four Superbowls and earned a trip to the 1984 Pro Bowl. He is currently an announcer for the 49ers.

Scott Turow (April 12, 1949-present) - Known for his suspenseful legal thrillers, Turow's books Presumed Innocent and a Burden of Proof have the topped the New York Times best seller list. His work as an Assistant United States Attorney and his private practice include successes in many high profile cases.

Dinah Washington (August 29, 1924-1963) - Born Ruth Lee Jones, Washington is a towering figure in music and was known as the Queen of the Blues. Washington enjoyed much success during her short career, however, her legacy remains the influence she has had on the legions of artists who have come since.

Harold Washington (April 15, 1922-1987) - Washington served as Mayor of Chicago from 1983-1987 and was the first African-American to hold the office. He started his political career after earning a law degree from Northwestern Univervisty. He served as a State Rep, State Senator, and Illinois Congressman before winning the 1983 election. Washington died shortly after his re-election in 1987.

Johnny Washington (1930-present) - Before joining the Marines and earning two Purple Hearts and the Silver Star in the Korean War, Washington was a professional baseball player in the Negro Leagues playing for Chicago and Huston. After the war, he played in the minor leagues and led the league in hitting and pitching seven and eight times respectively.

James Watson (1928-Present) - 1962 Nobel Prize in Physiology and Medicine winner for his groundbreaking work on the structure of DNA. James Watson won the Albert Lasker Award for Basic Medical Research in 1960. In 1997 he was awarded the National Medal of Science for his work on the Human Genome Project.

Joel Weisman (1942-Present) - Emmy Award winning Host and Senior Editor of Chicago Tonight: The Week in Review on WTTW Channel 11. Weisman's career started at the City News Bureau of Chicago, he went on to the Gary Post-Tribune, Chicago American(Chicago Today), and the Chicago Sun-Times where he served as a reporter, columnist and Metropolitan Editor. Weisman was also a correspondent for The Washington Post. Honors include multiple Peter Lisagor, Jacob Scher, and Associated Press awards and two Pulitzer Prize nominations for his investigative reporting, as well as, Emmy Awards for commentary and news analysis for WGN Television. An attorney, specializing in media and entertainment law, Weisman represents journalists at stations and publications around the country and has lectured extensively on legal and journalism issues.

Johnny Weissmuller (June 2, 1904-1984) - As a swimmer in the 1924 and 1928 Olympics, Weismuller won 5 gold medals and 1 bronze medal. He is most famous, however, for his portrayal of Tarzan and credited for creating the famous Tarzan call.

Kanye West (June 8, 1977-present) - 10 Grammy's and counting, Kanye West is one of the biggest recording artists of the new millennium. His albums, College Dropout, Late Registration and Graduation have  garnered critical praise and are among the best selling albums of 2004, 2005, and 2007respectively.

Haskell Wexler (February 6, 1922-present) - Recognized as one of the greatest cinematographers all of time, Wexler's body of work includes many of the all-time great films like Who's Afraid of Virginia Wolf, Bound for Glory, In the Heat of the Night, The Thomas Crown Affair, One Flew Over the Cuckoos Nest, Colors, and Mulholland Falls. Wexler has been nominated for 5 Oscars, winning two - one for Virginia Wolf and the other for Bound for Glory. He was the first cinematographer to receive a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame and was a recipient of the Cinematographers Lifetime Achievement Award. Perhaps his best work has been the least recognized. Wexler directed his own movie Medium Cool, about Chicago in the summer of 1968.

Verdine White (July 25, 1951- present) - As one of the original members of Earth Wind & Fire , Verdine won six Grammy Awards, was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame, and earned 50 gold and platinum albums and sold over 90 million albums. Among his many honors, Verdine was presented with Bass Player magazine's Lifetime Achievement Award by Nathan East link.

Larry Whiteside - Winner of the J.G. Taylor Spink Award and enshrined in the writer's wing of the Baseball Hall of Fame, Whiteside began his career writing for the Kansas City Kansan and Milwaukee Journal Sentinel before becoming a mainstay at The Boston Globe. Whiteside made it easier for other African-Americans to follow. Whiteside was the first black Hall of Fame voter and was responsible for circulating a list of talented African-American journalists to newspaper editors. Among his many honors was a lifetime achievement award from the National Association of Black Journalists.

Phyllis A. Whitney (September 9, 1903-2008) - In 1988 The Mystery Writers of America honored Whitney with their Grand Master award for lifetime achievement. A fitting tribute to Whitney who authored over 70 books during her career and was called The Queen of American Gothics by the New York Times. Whitney, who lived to be 104, had her last book published at the age of 94. Whitney also served as the Chicago Sun's children's book editor from 1942-1946.

Joe Williams (December 12, 1918-1999) - Williams was an important figure in Jazz. He is best remembered for his work with Count Basie Orchestra and as the Grandfather on the Cosby Show. Williams won two Grammys and a number of other honors like a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame.

George Wilson (May 9, 1942-Present) - Wilson was a member of the Olympic Team that won the Gold Medal in Basketball. He went on to play 7 seasons in the NBA, including a short time with the Chicago Bulls.

Eldee Young (January 7, 1936-2007) - Young was one third of the Ramsey Lewis Trio, with whom he won two Grammy Awards. One of the best and most sought after jazz bassists, Young had an distinguished career after the Trio split up playing with fellow Lewis Trio alum, Isaac Holt, in Young-Holt Unlimited, as well as, playing with music legends Dinah Washington, Dizzy Gillespie and others.

Robert Zemeckis (May 14, 1952-Present) - Robert's film Forrest Gump, starring Tom Hanks, won the Oscar and Golden Globe for best film.

Vincent duVigneaud (May 18, 1901-1978) - As a biochemist, du Vigneaud received the 1955 Nobel Prize for Chemistry for his breakthrough achievement of synthesizing oxytocin - a hormone released by the posterior pituitary gland used to induce labor and lactation in pregnant women, and for his work with sulfur. He received the Albert Lasker Award for Basic Medical Research in 1948.