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.

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.