Bernie Mac, born Bernard Jeffery McCollough (October 5, 1957-2008) - Mac started his career doing standup in Chicago. From 2001 to 2006, Mac had his own sitcom, The Bernie Mac Show, for which he received numerous awards and nominations: 4 Image Awards, 2 Emmy Nominations, 2 Golden Globe Nominations

Chris Zorich (March 13, 1969-present) - In addition to being a two time All-American linebacker at the University of Notre Dame, Zorich won the Lombardi award given annually to the best linebacker in college football. From 1991 to 1996 he played for the Chicago Bears, but he is probably best known for his foundation, the Christopher Zorich foundation that works with disadvantaged families.

Dean Richards is the entertainment reporter and critic for WGN-TV and a familiar voice on WGN Radio where he hosts "Dean Richards' Sunday Morning" and is the primary fill-in host for WGN Radio's other shows. Richards’ work has won him over 30 awards, including the Peter Lisagor Award for Outstanding Journalism, the Associated Press Best Feature of the Year, Illinois Broadcasters Association, UPI, Chicago A.I.R. Awards, and Promax International Promotion and Marketing awards. Additionally, Richards actively supports many health and social issues in his free time. The New York Times called him the "Tribune Company's Man of Many Hats."

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.

Juwan Howard (February 7, 1973-Present) - As a member of the University of Michigan's Fab 5, Howard made it to the NCAA Championships in each of his first two seasons. He currently plays in the NBA for the Dallas Mavericks.

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.

Marvin Freeman (April 10, 1963-Present) - Freeman spent ten years in the major leagues, from 1986 to 1996. He pitched for the Phillies, Braves, Rockies, and for a time, the Chicago White Sox.

Michael Baisden (June 27, 1963-present) - Baisden first earned recognition for his books on contemporary relationships between men and women. In 2003, he was given the afternoon show on 98.7 KISS FM in New York. In six months he had the number 1 rated show. He parlayed that success into a nationally syndicated program The Michael Baisden Show (WSRB in Chicago) and a television talk show on TV One entitled Baisden After Dark.

Thomas Campana (1947-2004) - Campana was a prolific inventor with over 50 patents to his credit, including one for push email. It was this latter patten that made Campana well known among BlackBerry users. Campana and his company NTP would go on to sue Rhythm in Motion, maker of the BlackBerry for patent infringment, a case they won, but which continues in the appeals process. One of Campana's other well known inventions won 1st prize at the Consumer Electronics Show in 1996, an electronic device that helps parents find their kids.