Nelson Algren (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 and an annual prize in short fiction is awarded by the Chicago Tribune in his name.

Steve Allen (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.

Sybil Bauer (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 (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 (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.

Bob Berland (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 (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 is the 40th Governor of Illinois. 

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

Carol Moseley Braun (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 Zeeland and Samoa from 1999-2001.

Gwendolyn Brooks (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 (1912-2004) - The 1979 winner of the Nobel Prize in Chemestry, 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 (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.

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

Dick Butkus (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.

Jerry Butler (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 (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.

Anthony Robert "Tony" Canadeo (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 (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 (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.

Maurice Cheeks (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 (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 (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.

Gary Comer (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.

Sam Cooke (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.

Shani Davis (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 Emmy Award winner. In 2005, she received the Ethics Award in Journalism from the Chicago Headline Club.

Bruce DeMars (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 (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].

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

Russ Ewing (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.

Harrison Ford (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(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 (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 (1935-Present) - Academy Award and Golden Globe winning Director of The French Connection and The Exorcist.

Jerome I. Friedman (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 (1932-2008) - Born George Schweinfurth, Furth began his career as an actor but quickly gained fame as a playwright. He won a Tony 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 (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.

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 (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.

Benny Goodman (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 (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."

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 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.

Yoland Griffith (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 (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 and makes frequent forays onto Broadway.

John Gunther (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.

George S. Halas (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 (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 (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 (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 to serve as a delegate to the United Nations, 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).

Kelvin Hayden (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.

Founder and former CEO of Playboy Enterprises

Graduated from Whitney M. Young Magnet High School, Chicago, Illinois, in 1982, she was part of the crew on STS-116 Discovery (December 9-22, 2006). In November 2007, Joan Higginbotham retired from NASA.

Milton Hinton (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.

H. Robert Horvitz (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 (1981-Present) - Hudson won the 2007 Oscar and Golden
Globe for Best Supporting Actress for her role in Dream Girls.

Richard Hunt (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 (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.

John Jakes (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 (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 (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 (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 (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 (1933-present) - 79 Grammy nominations, 27 wins. 7 Oscar Nominations. 1 Emmy. 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 (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. (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. (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. (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. (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 - 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 19-year veteran of Fox News, Kavanagh's awards include Emmy's and the Peter Lisagor award. She currently report for the morning and noon newscasts and special reports for the nine o' clock news.

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

Chaka Khan (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 (1927 - Present) - 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.

Jewel LaFontant-MANkarious (b. Jewel Stradford) (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.

Marvin Levy (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 (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.

David Mamet (1947-Present) - 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.

Michael Mann (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 (1927-present) - As an economist, Markowitz received the Nobel Prize in Economics in 1990 for his Modern Portfolio Theory - which allows investors to estimate both the expected risks and returns, as measured statistically, for their investment portfolios. Dr. Markowitz also was awarded the prestigious Von Neumann Prize in Operations Research Theory for his works in portfolio theory, sparse matrix techniques and the SIMSCRIPT programming language in 1989. - Schurz.org

Lynn Martin (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 (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 (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.

Richard W. Mies (1944-Present) - Mies graduated first in his class from the U.S. Naval Academy in 1967, and was a Fulbright Scholar at Oxford. From 1998-2001, Mies was the Commanding Officer of the United States Strategic Command. His other commands included commander of the U.S.S. Sea Devil nuclear attack submarine.

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.

Suze Orman (1951 - Present) - Suze Orman is a leading financial expert and host of the Suze Orman Show on CNBC. She earned two Day Time Emmy Awards for her PBS specials and has landed six books on the New York Times bestseller list.

William S. Paley (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 (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 (1954-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.