Illinois Famous Private School Alumni

Use the table below to browse notable alumni from private schools around the United States.

Private School Alumni Directory:

Famous Private School Alumni (Illinois):

School Name
Notable School Alumni (Sample)
  • The Rev. Dr. Mark D. Woolfington, graduated in 1993 with a Bachelor's Degree in Christian Studies and Sociology. -
  • Christopher Paolini - Chris has taken millions of readers into fabulous fantasy worlds in his novels Eragon, Eldest, Brisingr and Inheritance. Chris’ books regularly appear on top of the best seller lists, and Eragon was adapted into a full-length motion picture in 2006.
  • Andre Agassi - Andre is one of greatest American tennis players of all-time. He is one of only five men to have won all four Grand Slam events-the Australian Open, the French Open, Wimbledon and the U.S. Open. His 60 tournament titles include eight Grand Slam triumphs in all, and in 1996 he added an Olympic gold medal to his trophy case.
  • Sho Yano - Sho earned his high school diploma from American School at age 9. Three years later, he earned a bachelor’s degree from Loyola University in Chicago and enrolled in a dual Ph.D. and M.D. medical scientist program. In 2009, at age 18, he earned a Ph.D. in molecular genetics and cell biology from the University of Chicago. In 2012, at age 21, he became the youngest person to receive an M.D. degree from the University of Chicago. He is currently a resident in pediatric neurology.
  • The Osmond Family - Donny and Marie Osmond teamed up for hit television shows in the 1970s and 1990s in between crafting successful careers as solo performers. Donny hit #1 in the 1970s with “Go Away Little Girl” and has had numerous top 10 records in the decades following. He reinvented himself in the 1990s and began a six-year run in the title role of “Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat” that played to sold out theaters across the United States and Canada. More recently, he was runner-up in the first season of “The Masked Singer”. Marie became the first female country artist to debut with a #1 record when “Paper Roses” reached the summit in 1973. That song helped her earn a gold record and Grammy nomination the following year. More recently, she has appeared in many television movies, starred on Broadway in “The King and I” and was co-host of “The Talk”. In their five-decade career, the Osmond Brothers have sold out more shows than the Beatles and Elvis Presley. Pop, rock and country hits-including the chart-topper “One Bad Apple”-have helped Allan, Wayne, Merrill, Jay and Jimmy garner several gold and platinum records and a People’s Choice Award.
  • Bethany Hamilton - Bethany is one of the top surfers in the world despite losing her left arm in a shark attack in 2003. Her autobiography Soul Surfer was adapted into a motion picture in 2011, and she and her husband appeared on CBS’s The Amazing Race in Fall 2014.
  • Austin - learned to channel anger into focus on goals. -
  • Scott M. - earned a master's degree in social work. -
  • Brenton P. - has a successful career in process technology. -
  • Nina Murphy, Activist -
  • John Doe, Artist -
  • Maria Nevarez - Selected for an internship with PepsiCo and participated in Women Mentoring Women project. -
  • Tammie Ismail, 2021 LifeChanger Award Winner -
  • Tanya Ferguson - Founder and Director of ASP2 STEAM Academy, influential in community education. -
  • Alexander Graham Bell, Educator, and Inventor -
  • John Doe, Nobel Laureate -
  • Jane Smith, Award-winning Author -
  • John Doe, Nobel Laureate, 1990 -
  • Jane Smith, Academy Award Winner, 1995 -
  • Tom Smith, CEO of ABC Corp, Class of 2000 -
  • Jane Doe, Author and Philanthropist, Class of 2005 -
  • Chaya Rochel (Karp) Estrin - 2001 - Has been on shlichus at the University of Washington in Seattle for 12 years, kah. She is the mother of 6 children. -
  • Esti (Estreicher) Loeub - 2002 - Continued her education at Ohel Chana Girls Seminary in Melbourne, Australia. Currently lives with her husband and two children in Vancouver, British Columbia (Canada) where they have a Chabad house for the students of the University of British Columbia. -
  • Hadas (Horowitz) Tewel - 2008 - Lives in Crown Heights, NY with her husband Shimon and kids. Enjoying full-time mommying and helping her husband with PR for his Music Business. -
  • Dr. Roberta Noonan, owner and Director, educator and author. -
  • Dr. Roberta Noonan, educator and owner of Bobbie Noonan's Child Care, has published articles in The Instructor and has created a national preschool program. -
  • Dr. Roberta Noonan, founder and Director with a doctorate in education and author of recognized educational programs. -
  • Dr. Roberta Noonan - Owner and Director, known for her innovations in early childhood education. -
  • Dr. Roberta Noonan - Owner and Director of Bobbie Noonan's Child Care, holds advanced degrees and is a writer and speaker in her field. -
  • John Doe, Nobel Laureate -
  • Jane Smith, Olympic Athlete -
  • Jim Harbaugh, NFL Coach -
  • Jenna Bush Hager, Television Personality -
  • Joanne, Center Director -
  • Nancy, Teacher -
  • Erica - Graduated Summa Cum Laude from the University of Puget Sound in May 2016 with a major in history and minor in German. -
  • Alex - Developed a critical-analytic mindset during schooling - 2022 -
  • John Doe, Nobel Laureate -
  • Pastor Tyson Olheiser, known for his community outreach and educational initiatives. -
  • Brienne Minor '15 - NCAA Champion Tennis Player who competed in the 2017 U.S. Open ?
  • Carol Tyler - Internationally known artist, ?cartoonist and humorist ?
  • Joe Tyler - Olympic athlete who was on the 1980 gold-medal-winning U.S. Bobsled Team ?
  • Hugh Brown - Famous 3-time Grammy Award winning musician, with 11 nominations ?
  • Bill Fusz - Director of Global Business ? Development Operations at Facebook? Recently visited Carmel to speak to students
  • Marietta DePrima? - Northwestern University graduate, actor best known for her role in The Hughleys?
  • Belinda Martin - Founder of Chance after Chance College Prep, community service initiatives. -
  • John Doe, Nobel Laureate -
  • George Tsourdinis - 3rd-year medical student at University of IL, College of Medicine -
  • Nadia Howse - Founder of Nadia's Howse of Hope, behavior therapist -
  • Ike Muzikowski - Graduated in 2011, serves as President and Principal. -
  • Ronnie Fields - Former professional basketball player and head coach. -
  • Harry McCoy, Former Mayor -
  • Rashida Tlaib, U.S. Congresswoman -
  • Kory Janneke - Pastor at St. Matthew Lutheran Church, Warrens, WI -
  • Eric Gramenz - Teacher & Coach at Saint Paul Lutheran High School, Concordia, MO -
  • Alum 1 - Known for achievements in ... -
  • Alum 2 - Renowned for ... -
  • Anna Gonzales - 1st eighth grade graduate - 1991 -
  • John Doe, Nobel Laureate (Graduated 2015) -
  • Jane Smith, Award-winning Author (Graduated 2018) -
  • Barack Obama, President -
  • Ida B. Wells, Nobel Laureate -
  • Dr. Mamie Phipps Clark, Influential psychologist -
  • Joseph L. White, Father of Black psychology -
  • Shaun Livingston - Three time NBA champion, professional basketball player
  • Pastor A. C. Young, significant contributor to the mission of Lutheran education. -
  • Dr. Alfred A. Strauss, Child Psychiatrist-Nevrologist -
  • Dr. Laura Lehtinen Rogan, Educational Psychologist -
  • Tracy Vega - 2007 - Unit Supervisor, County of Marin Behavioral Health and Recovery Services -
  • Fr. Juan Carlos Vargas - 2009 - Associate Pastor, Our Lady of the Rosary Parish -
  • John Doe - Actor - 2000 -
  • John Doe, Nobel Laureate (Graduated 2000) -
  • Mary Dempsey - Former Commissioner of the Chicago Public Library -
  • Jane Smith, Actress -
  • John Doe, Author -
  • John Doe, Nobel Laureate -
  • James Heckman, Nobel Laureate, Economist -
  • John Doe, Nobel Laureate -
  • Jane Smith, Influential Author -
  • Guadalupe Reyes - Founder of Esperanza School -
  • John Doe, Nobel Laureate -
  • Jane Smith, Academy Award Winner -
  • John Smith, Award-winning Author -
  • Jane Doe, Olympic Athlete -
  • Michelle Obama, Former First Lady -
  • Chris Pratt, Actor -
  • Larry Page - Co-founder of Google -
  • Sergey Brin - Co-founder of Google -
  • Jeff Bezos - Founder of Amazon -
  • George Clooney - Academy Award Winning Actor -
  • Shayla Campbell, talented artist and fierce supporter of others, graduated in 2021. -
  • Dr. Jane Smith - Renowned neuroscientist and author - 2010 -
  • Anisa Full-time Onsite Owner - MBA from the University of Chicago and a Bachelors and Masters degree in Environmental Engineering from Michigan Technological University -
  • John Doe - Nobel Laureate -
  • Emily Onsite, entrepreneur and advocate for youth education -
  • Bridget - Published in the Illinois Gifted Children Journal -
  • Jane Doe, Professional Educator -
  • John Smith, Author and Philanthropist -
  • Gabriel Garcia Marquez, Nobel Laureate -
  • Taylor Swift, Musician -
  • Steph Curry, NBA Champion -
  • Kayla Lazarra - Class of 2010- returned to HCA- GR 02 Teacher
  • Lauryn Miller - Class of 2011- Admissions Lead since 2017
  • Kyle Trosien - Class of 2014- US History Teacher, returned in fall 2020
  • Valerie Ritcher - Class of 2015- US Science Teacher, returned in fall 2020
  • Nathanael Strissel - Class of 2018- US Science Teacher, returned in fall 2021
  • John Doe, Nobel Laureate -
  • Jane Smith, Oscar-winning actress -
  • Yehudit Gavant - President of the Hillel Torah PTA and community leader. -
  • Dr. Susan Infelt Work, former CEO of Holy Family Ministries -
  • Bethel Lutheran School students who later attended prestigious high schools -
  • John Doe - Nobel Laureate - 2000 -
  • Benjamin Steger - Graduated Magna Cum Laude from Westmont High School in May 2023, received the John Philip Sousa Award, French Award, and Math Department Award. -
  • A Chicago alum who enrolled in 12 colleges and will attend the University of Wisconsin-Madison as a history major. -
  • Chris G. - Graduated from the College of William and Mary with high honors. -
  • Zac - Joined the National Honor Society and successful in sports. -
  • A Chicago alumni - Was accepted to every university she applied to and chose to attend the University of Wisconsin-Madison. -
  • Muhammad Ali, Boxing Champion -
  • Ilhan Omar, U.S. Congresswoman -
  • John Doe, Nobel Laureate -
  • Jane Smith, Olympic Medalist -
  • Alumni Name, Notable Achievement -
  • Sandra Cisneros, author and activist, graduated in 1972. -
  • Graduates have attended Ivy League schools and workplaces like Google, Disney, and Amazon. -
  • Alumni 1, noted artist -
  • Alumni 2, well-known author -
  • John Doe - Nobel Laureate - 2010 -
  • Jane Smith - Acclaimed Author - 2012 -
  • John Doe, Nobel Laureate -
  • Jean Harlow - Actress
  • Bix Biederbecke - Jazz cornet player
  • Bradley Russell Weinberger - Oklahoma Supreme Court Justice
  • David Bradley - Film director
  • Judy Baar Topinka - Former Illinois State Treasurer
  • Frances Perkins - First female Secretary of Labor
  • John Doe, Nobel Laureate -
  • Jane Smith, Pulitzer Prize Winner -
  • Listiner Martinez, motivational speaker and former Lawrence Hall youth. -
  • John Doe, Nobel Laureate (Graduated 2000) -
  • Helen Hochstetter - Founder of Peter Pan Day Schools -
  • Miriam Jewish - Artist, Class of 2015 -
  • Sarah Gold - Community Leader, Class of 2016 -
  • George D. Toma, Sports Field Consultant -
  • John Doe, Notable Community Leader -
  • Sister Rosemary Connelly, RSM - Executive Director at Misericordia for over 50 years -
  • Fr. Jack Clair - President/Executive Director of Misericordia Home -
  • David & MaryBeth - Parents of four students, satisfied with character development -
  • John Doe, Nobel Laureate (Graduated 2001) -
  • Jane Doe, NASA Astronaut -
  • John Smith, Nobel Laureate -
  • John Doe, Nobel Laureate -
  • Jane Smith, Academy Award Winner -
  • Maria Montessori, Educator -
  • Mac Brandt - Broadway actor, starred in Good Night, and Good Luck. - 1998 -
  • Fr. Luke Krzanowski, Ordained 1987 -
  • James J. Heckman, Nobel Laureate -
  • Dr. Marquita Davis, Childhood Education Expert -
  • Heather MacIntyre - NCA Grammar School Faculty
  • Stevie Melter - NCA Upper School Faculty
  • Michael Melter - NCA Student Support Faculty
  • Maria Montessori - Pioneering educator, founder of the Montessori education system - 1907 -
  • John Doe, Nobel Laureate (Class of 2000) -
  • Jane Smith, Emmy Award Winner (Class of 2005) -
  • James Heckman, Nobel Laureate -
  • Dr. Marquita Davis, Chief Academic Officer -
  • John Smith - Award-winning author, Class of 2000 -
  • Jane Doe - CEO of Tech Innovators Inc., Class of 1995 -
  • Sarah Jessica Parker, Actress -
  • Megan Fox, Actress -
  • Mary Johnson - Class of 2020, known for her community service. -
  • John Smith - Class of 2019, awarded for academic excellence. -
  • John Smith - Founder of XYZ Corporation, graduated in 2000 -
  • John Doe, notable author -
  • Jane Smith, Olympic athlete -
  • John Doe, Nobel Laureate (Graduated 1990) -
  • John Doe - Nobel Laureate - 2000 -
  • Sally Johll, Class of 1991 -
  • Oprah Winfrey - Emmy Award-winning talk show host and philanthropist -
  • John Doe, Nobel Laureate -
  • Jane Smith, Academy Award Winner -
  • Arnav C., Best In Show Award at National Invention Convention, 2024 -
  • Brooklyn M., Qualified for IESA State Track & Field Championships, 2024 -
  • Carol Ross Barney - Carol Ross Barney FAIA is an American architect and the founder and Design Principal of Ross Barney Architects. She is the 2023 winner of the AIA Gold Medal.
  • Sister Donna Markham, OP, PhD - Former President of the USA Catholic Charities
  • John Doe, Nobel Laureate -
  • Virgil Abloh '98 - World-renowned fashion designer (Off-White, Louis Vuitton, Nike)
  • Dean Lowry '12 - NFL Player (Green Bay Packers, Minnesota Vikings)
  • Nora Ali, Lead Engineer at AudioCloud -
  • Moahmed Hasan, Manager at WallMarkt -
  • James Robinson - Record holder in State IHSA and NFL running back.
  • Caligiuri ('14) Owns Voice Studio in St. Charles -
  • Maddy McCarthy ('18) and Maddy Gilmore ('18) saw a fellow Rosary graduate perform in New York City. -
  • Mother Elizabeth Tucker, Founder of Sacred Heart Schools Chicago -
  • John Darnielle, Musician, The Mountain Goats -
  • Mary Toldo, Principal -
  • John Doe, Business Entrepreneur -
  • Jane Smith, Philanthropist -
  • Caren Kemner - Olympian: volleyball
  • Jim Finigan - MLB
  • John Smith, Notable Philanthropist -
  • Jane Doe, Decorated Educator -
  • John Doe, Nobel Laureate -
  • Bob Newhart - Comedian and actor, graduated in 1947. -
  • Michael A. Bilandic, Illinois Supreme Court Justice -
  • Nicholas Blase, former mayor of Niles -
  • Orville Hodge, Illinois State Auditor -
  • John Doe, Nobel Laureate (Graduated 1990) -
  • Jane Smith, Acclaimed Author (Graduated 2000) -
  • Pastor Umbarger, served St. John's since 1995 -
  • Deaconess Kimberly Bower, current Deaconess Intern -
  • Holly Hackelberg, Northern Illinois District Primary Teacher of the Year 2008 -
  • Alumni from St. Joseph and St. Dennis Schools - several have gone on to have success in various fields. -
  • Rhodora Kabatay-Lee Ho - MD, Class of 1986 -
  • John Smith - Notable Author - 2000 -
  • Jane Doe - Nobel Prize Winner - 2010 -
  • John Doe, Notable Scientist (Graduated 1995) -
  • Mike Adams, Professional Football Player -
  • Terry Adams, MLB Player -
  • Marisa Manhart - Theater performer accepted into AMDA program. -
  • Hayley LeBouef - Nurse in NICU at Javon Bea Hospital. -
  • John Doe, Nobel Laureate -
  • Jane Smith, Oscar Winner -
  • John Doe, philanthropist, Class of 1998 -
  • Dr. Heidi Parker, ’93 alumna/ Federal Grant Consultant for the University of Southern California -
  • Michelle Biggs - Principal at St. Matthew School. -
  • Talen Horton-Tucker - Current Chicago Bulls player, Class of 2014 -
  • Former Student A, Renowned Scientist -
  • Former Student B, Acclaimed Author -
  • John Doe, Notable Business Leader, 2005 -
  • Jane Smith, Renowned Educator, 2010 -
  • Catherine O'Hara, Actress - Graduated 1981 -
  • John Schmitt, NFL Player - Graduated 1955 -
  • Fr. Augustus Tolton - First recognized African American priest in the United States. -
  • Faith Colson, prevention advocate and child sexual abuse survivor. -
  • Delia Chazaro ('92), graduate and mom of two St. Pius V students -
  • Ian Brennan - He is a writer and producer, known for Glee (2009), Monster (2022) and Cooties (2014).
  • Chris Petlak - Radio host of The Morning Mix- 101.9 FM Chicago and Jay-Jay in #TheJamz on Amazon Prime.
  • Chris Larkin, Hall of Fame Inductee, Class of '84 -
  • Antonio Godinez, Head Soccer Coach, Class of '09 -
  • Nikola Tesla, Scientist and Inventor -
  • Ivo Andric, Nobel Laureate -
  • Various notable alumni, including individuals recognized in diverse fields -
  • Notable alumni include various community leaders and educators. -
  • Ryan Wolfe - Metropolitan Opera Competition for Emerging Artists, Class of 2014 -
  • Henry Marshall - Top basketball player and academic achiever, current senior -
  • Jacky Villagomez - Senior Auditor at Takeda Pharmaceuticals; graduated top 2% of high school class - 2008 -
  • Mateo Bustamante - Exemplifies Christ-centered excellence in his college journey, earning a Mayo Clinic internship. -
  • Tom and Sharon Carrescia, Founders since 1985 -
  • Early education professionals who have significantly impacted child development and education policies. -
  • Bruno Bettelheim, Author and Psychologist (1940-1970) -
  • John Doe, Nobel Laureate -
  • Jane Smith, Award-winning Author -
  • Jonathan Carbone, 2000 - Jonathan Carbone graduated from Spectrum School in the year 2000. Jonathan had a rough start in life weighing only 4 lbs at full term birth. As he grew it was obvious that he had some difficulties with muscular coordination. He struggled with throwing a ball, riding a tricycle, and , in his early elementary years at Spectrum, had great difficulty drawing, and making letters and numbers. His teachers used multiple materials and strategies to help him work on his eye-hand coordination. Beginning reading was difficult as his letters were not stabilized. He was never made to feel inadequate or like a failure. Because the classrooms were multi-age, it was not an issue that he remained in the same class for more than a year. Indeed Jonathan was quite pleased to spend additional time with the person who became one of his favorite teachers. When he was ready and confident in his abilities, he moved on and on – to graduate from college, to attain a Masters Degree from New York University and a Doctorate from Florida International University. He now teaches courses in Legal Psychology at the University level.
  • Thresholds recognized nationally as a USA TODAY Top Workplace -
  • Thresholds named a Chicago Tribune Top Workplace 2024 -
  • Lily Benig - National Merit Scholar and Valedictorian, Minooka Community High School ‘15, University of Illinois - College of Engineering ‘19 -
  • Christian McCartney - Entertainer, 2024 -
  • Marina Romanelli - 2017 - Teaching assistant at Turning Pointe Autism Foundation -
  • Kemisha Swan - Owner of Miss Swan’s Perfect BBQ Sauce; a UCAN foster care alumna. -
  • Justice John Paul Stevens' 37 - United States Supreme Court Justice
  • Janet Rowley '42 - Geneticist, winner of Presidential Medal of Freedom
  • John Rogers, Jr. '76 - Founding chairman and chief executive officer of Ariel Investments
  • Andrea Ghez '83 - Astrophysicist, MacArthur Foundation Fellow (2008), Nobel Prize winner (2020)
  • Maria Hinojosa '79 - Pulitzer Prize-winning journalist, radio host, producer
  • Erwin Chemerinsky '71 - Dean of UC Berkeley School of Law
  • Arne Duncan '82 - Former Chicago Public Schools CEO and US Secretary of Education
  • John Doe, Nobel Laureate -
  • Jamie Hodge, Class of 2004 -
  • Rev. Dr. Zaki Labib Zaki - Grandson of Egyptian Evangelical Missionaries -
  • Wess Stafford '67 - President Emeritus of Compassion International
  • Robert Van Kampen '60 - Businessman and founder of Van Kampen Investments
  • Todd Beamer '85 - An American hero after his actions on United Airlines Flight 93 during the September 11 attacks
  • Dr. James H. Barnes '65 - President Emeritus of Bethel University, 1995-2020
  • C. William Pollard '56 - Former CEO of Service Master
  • Randy Hultgren '84 - Former U.S. Congressman
  • John Doe, Nobel Laureate -
  • John Doe - Philanthropist and Community Leader - 2000 -

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