When Mark Reyes ’95 (Social Work & Human Services) was growing up on the south side of Chicago in the Little Village neighborhood, most of his peers were challenged with significant obstacles – particularly a lack of educational and economic resources.

With over 15 years of professional experience in Information Technology, Jay Johnson ’98 ’07 works as the IT manager of the Nuclear Engineering Division at Argonne National Laboratory where he directs and oversees IT operations and cyber security.

Born in Chicago to immigrant parents, Martha and her family faced several hardships in the United States. Those hardships are what have inspired Martha to go to such great lengths to help undocumented and underrepresented students gain access to education.

After beginning his career with Illinois Bell 23 years ago, Jeff Adducci ’92 has held various positions since 1993 ranging from maintenance, Outside Plant Engineering, UVERSE Engineering, Area Manager Construction, and Project Management. In 2014, Jeff became the Director of External Affairs for AT&T Illinois which combined all of the skills he obtained from his previous roles.

Paul Salmon ‘94, MBA ’97 has recently been hired as the Eastern Regional Sales Director for Wheaton World Wide Moving | Bekins Van Lines. Wheaton Van Lines, Inc. is among the world’s leading providers of transportation services and is the fourth largest van line, owning three household goods relocation brands: Wheaton World Wide Moving, Bekins Van Lines and Clark & Reid. In his role, Paul oversees the growth of sales for all Wheaton and Bekins agents in the Eastern region.

In an industry in which the sky is the limit, Chris Painter ’05 ’07 and Elaine Karabatsos ’90 arrived at the same destination – The Coca Cola Company. As the Manager of Technical Operations for The Coca-Cola Company, Chris is responsible for leading a team of eight associates supporting five aircrafts, operating globally for the Company. Elaine works on his team as an Aircraft Manager, responsible for the maintenance of the corporate fleet and safely preparing those aircrafts for departure.

Alumni Profile: Tony Pena '98

Tony Pena, ’98, a math teacher at Stagg High School, works hard for his students. And he realizes that his work matters. His commitment has earned him a Golden Apple Award nomination and several wins during senior class polls. He has coached both baseball and track during his 17 years with the school. 

A leader in the Chicago broadcasting industry, Deborah Brown credits her family for instilling the importance of loyalty to family, community, faith and country. This quality is evident in her community service and the thrust of her career.

Alumni Profile: August Deuser  

Education has always been a priority for alumnus August Deuser ’98 and wife, Cynthia ’87. August, a retired special education teacher, holds a master’s degree in Educational Administration from Lewis.

Tess McKenzie successfully began a day care business after graduating from Lewis University, and believes in giving back to her alma mater.

Takiyah Olatunbosun received the Lewis University Young Alumni Achivement Award in 2009 for her work in teaching, service and ministry.