Colonel Art DeGroat II served 22 years in the military, including combat as a tank commander in Operations Desert Shield and Desert Storm. He later rebuilt a university ROTC program and became Executive Director of the Office of Military and Veterans Affairs at Kansas State University.

Brian White is a professional MLS player for the New York Red Bulls, known for his goalscoring ability and rising trajectory in American soccer.

Mike Bellotti served as head football coach and later athletic director at the University of Oregon. He led the program to multiple conference titles and national prominence, and after stepping down in 2009, became an ESPN College Football analyst.

John P. Bilbrey served as President and Chief Executive Officer of The Hershey Company from May 2011 to March 2017. A seasoned CPG executive, he guided Hershey through a successful global expansion and strategy overhaul, helping to strengthen its international presence and market leadership.

Lawrence Biondi served as President of Saint Louis University, leading strategic initiatives in education, research, and campus development.

Jim Bouton was a Major League pitcher, most notably with the 1962–63 Yankees, and author of the bestselling memoir Ball Four, a landmark in sports literature and athlete-first journalism.

Albert P. Brewer served as the 47th Governor of Alabama from 1968 to 1971. A progressive leader during a transformative period in the state’s history, he focused on education reform, economic development, and governmental modernization. Brewer’s commitment to public service left a lasting impact on Alabama politics.

Brian Brooks, a Vietnam veteran awarded a Bronze Star, transitioned from reporter and editor roles to academia at the Missouri School of Journalism. He directed the Journalism Network, edited the European Stars and Stripes, authored influential textbooks like The Art of Editing, and served as associate dean while editing Delta Sigma Phi’s The Carnation.

Robert Carothers served as President of the University of Rhode Island, guiding the institution in academic excellence and growth.

Frank T. Cary served as CEO of IBM from 1973 to 1981 and as Chairman of the Board until 1983. Rising from a sales rep in 1948, he led IBM's transition into a global powerhouse, expanding its product range—including the personal computer—protecting against antitrust pressures, and increasing revenues from $9.5B to over $40B.

Stephen Caskey worked with NASA and the U.S. Department of Defense to develop low-temperature storage systems for extending food shelf life in space. He now advances sustainable refrigeration technology with a Norwegian company.

Robert Conway is a Vice Admiral in the U.S. Navy, recognized for leadership in naval operations and strategic planning.

Phil Cook, a former chemistry teacher turned science influencer, creates viral social media content to make complex chemical concepts engaging and accessible to a broad audience.

Herb “Fritz” Crisler served as both football coach and athletic director at the University of Chicago, and later at Michigan, where he pioneered two-platoon football and became one of college football’s most strategic innovators.

James J. Davis served as the U.S. Secretary of Labor from 1921 to 1930 under Presidents Harding, Coolidge, and Hoover. A tireless advocate for labor and industry, he helped shape federal labor policy and promoted workforce welfare programs during a pivotal era in American labor history.

Sean Davis is a professional Major League Soccer player with the New York Red Bulls, recognized for his defensive solidity and leadership on the field.

Michael K. Deaver served as White House Deputy Chief of Staff under President Ronald Reagan from 1981 to 1985. He was widely regarded as the “master choreographer” of presidential image, staging iconic moments like Reagan on the Normandy cliffs and controlling media optics to reinforce the President’s persona. He, with James Baker and Ed Meese, formed the influential “troika” leading Reagan's administration. Following his White House tenure, he co-founded a PR firm, later joining Edelman as vice chairman. In 1987, Deaver was convicted of perjury for misleading congressional investigators about lobbying activities, receiving probation and a fine. He authored several books including A Different Drummer and remained a respected consultant until his death in 2007.

Joel S. Demski is a distinguished accounting scholar who was inducted into the Accounting Hall of Fame in 2000. With a PhD from the University of Chicago (1967), he held professorships at Columbia, Stanford, Yale, and University of Florida, where he became Frederick E. Fisher Eminent Scholar. He advanced accounting theory through pioneering work in information economics and agency theory, authored numerous books and papers, served as president of the American Accounting Association, and influenced both research and academic policy.

J. Marty Dormany is a five-time Sports Emmy-winning graphics designer and broadcast creative expert. He began his career at WFLA in Tampa in 1995 and joined Chyron Corporation in 2002, rising to Director of Training and Freelance Relations. In 2012, he founded The Academy of Lower Thirds, a company delivering iconic broadcast graphics and storytelling across sports and media.

Jason Drucker is an actor known for his performances in the family comedy film Diary of a Wimpy Kid: The Long Haul and the Nickelodeon television series Every Witch Way. He also had a co-starring role in the 2018 film Bumblebee.

Lee Dueringer received the Eugene G. Sanders Lifetime Achievement Award—the highest distinction from the University of Arizona’s College of Agriculture, Life, and Environmental Sciences—on May 3, 2025.

Mike Duke served as the fourth CEO of Walmart from 2009 to 2013 (some sources extend to 2014). A Georgia Tech alumnus, he joined Walmart in 1995 and rose through leadership roles in logistics, U.S. stores, and international operations before becoming CEO. Duke helped steer the company through the recession, expanded global markets, advanced sustainability initiatives, and laid the groundwork for its e-commerce evolution. He was named among Forbes' "World’s Most Powerful People" in 2013 and is a member of the National Academy of Engineering.

William Eacho served as U.S. Ambassador to Austria from 2009 to 2012. Throughout his diplomatic career, he focused on strengthening international relations, promoting U.S. policy interests, and fostering transatlantic cooperation.

Howard Etling devoted more than 50 years to south St. Louis journalism, joining his family’s Neighborhood News before becoming a senior publisher for the Suburban Journals. He spearheaded a successful editorial campaign that led to a new facility for St. Louis Chronic Hospital in the early 1960s and served as Publisher Emeritus after retiring. A civic-minded leader, he held roles on the police board and local bank boards.

Robert Fackelman was a lifelong newspaperman and owner of the Jennings Daily News for 29 years. His 8-decade career spanned many southern and midwestern papers, and he held leadership roles in journalism associations and industry organizations. He served as President and Chairman of the Board of Newspaper Service Company, authored several books on the newspaper industry, and served as a director of the Southern Newspaper Publishers Association from 1970 to 1974, representing Louisiana.

Steve Fainaru is an award-winning investigative journalist at ESPN. He earned a Pulitzer and an Emmy for “The Dictator’s Team,” and co-authored League of Denial, a New York Times bestseller that won a Polk and Peabody Award.

Brownie Futrell led the family-owned Washington Daily News for 32 years after Duke. Under his guidance, the paper won the 1990 Pulitzer Prize for Public Service for exposing carcinogens in the city’s water, prompting regulatory reform. He later expanded publishing capabilities and remained a community leader and civic advocate.

An aviation pioneer, Edward Gwinn combined his passion for engineering with a vision to make air travel safer and more accessible. He first developed an interest in flight while serving with the Army Air Force during World War I, an experience that inspired his postwar career. Gwinn went on to design the Gwinn Aircar, a civilian biplane that featured tricycle landing gear and simplified controls, making it possible for less experienced pilots to fly with confidence. Although the project ended following a fatal crash in 1938, his innovative designs reflected the spirit of experimentation that defined early aviation. Gwinn’s contributions to aircraft safety and accessibility left a lasting imprint on the field.

Kenneth L. Hallenbeck served as President of the American Numismatic Association, promoting coin collecting, education, and numismatic scholarship.

Colonel David Hanson served 26 years in the U.S. Air Force followed by four years in the U.S. Space Force, distinguishing himself in leadership during a pivotal era of space domain development.

John M. Harbert III was a visionary civil engineer who founded Harbert Corporation in 1949 with just an army surplus concrete mixer. He transformed it into a global construction and development powerhouse, delivering major infrastructure across five continents—including iconic projects like Birmingham’s Riverchase Galleria and the Regions-Harbert Plaza. A generous philanthropist, Harbert endowed educational and cultural institutions across Alabama and exemplified entrepreneurial leadership until his death in 1995.

Tom Harkin is a Veteran, legislator, and champion of disability rights and education. After earning his degree in Government and Economics and serving as a naval pilot (1962–67) , he practiced law and entered politics. Serving in the U.S. House (1975–85) and Senate (1985–2015) , he authored the landmark Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990 and led the Senate HELP Committee, advancing health, education, and labor reforms. Upon retirement, he founded the Harkin Institute at Drake University to continue his legacy in public policy and civic engagement.

Mike Hayden served as Governor of Kansas from 1987 to 1991, following a career in state politics including service in the Kansas House of Representatives. His tenure emphasized education reform, fiscal responsibility, and agricultural policy, shaping Kansas government during a period of transition.

Israel Hernandez served as the Assistant Secretary of Commerce for International Trade and Promotion and Director-General of the United States Commercial Service under President George W. Bush. He was confirmed by the U.S. Senate on October 3, 2005. Prior to this role, he worked in the White House from 2001 to 2005 as Deputy Assistant to President George W. Bush and as a deputy to Senior Advisor Karl Rove. Hernández also served as Director of Voter Contact in the Bush-Cheney 2000 presidential campaign and as a personal aide to then-Governor George W. Bush in Texas during his first term.

Lee Hills began his journalism career at age 14 in Price, Utah, eventually studying at Mizzou. A twice-Pulitzer winner—Miami Herald's first Pulitzer in 1951 and Detroit Free Press in 1956—he rose to become the first CEO of Knight-Ridder after orchestrating the merger in 1974. The University of Missouri honored his legacy with Lee Hills Hall and an endowed chair in free-press studies.

James W. Holsinger Jr. is a physician, educator, and retired U.S. Army Reserve major general whose career has spanned military medicine, veterans’ health, academia, and public service. He served as Under Secretary of Veterans Affairs for Health from 1990 to 1993, overseeing the nation’s largest healthcare system during the Gulf War era. In academia, he was Chancellor of the University of Kentucky’s Chandler Medical Center (1994–2003), where he helped expand facilities and programs in cardiology, women’s health, and public health. He later served as Kentucky’s Secretary of Health and Family Services (2003–2005). A decorated Army officer, Holsinger received the Distinguished Service Medal and the Legion of Merit, and he has published extensively in medicine and health policy. In 2007, he was nominated by President George W. Bush for U.S. Surgeon General, though the nomination was not confirmed. Holsinger has also been active in the United Methodist Church and global health initiatives, particularly in sub-Saharan Africa.

Nick Houghton is part of the Orion Crew Survival Engineering Team at NASA’s Johnson Space Center, developing the OCSS suit that will protect astronauts on Artemis II—the first crewed lunar mission in over 50 years.

Cody Ko is a YouTuber, comedian, podcaster, and rapper. After earning a Computer Science degree from Duke, he gained popularity via Vine and transitioned to YouTube, where his co-hosted series That’s Cringe and the Tiny Meat Gang Podcast propelled him to prominence. He co-founded Tiny Meat Gang Studios in 2021, and received accolades including YouTuber of the Year at the Shorty Awards and a Streamy Award.

Jeff Lawson co-founded Twilio in 2008 and served as its CEO through its 2016 IPO, transforming the company from a startup into a publicly traded leader in cloud communication services. Before founding Twilio, he held key technical leadership roles, including CTO of NineStar, founding CTO of StubHub, CTO & CEO of Versity, and one of the original product managers for Amazon Web Services. Under his leadership, Twilio empowered developers worldwide, enabling easy integration of voice, messaging, and video into applications.

Umphrey Lee was a Methodist minister, scholar, and the fifth president of Southern Methodist University, serving from 1939 to 1954. He later became the first Chancellor of SMU. A dedicated educator and religious leader, he also served as Dean of the Perkins School of Theology and was known for strengthening the University’s academic foundation while deepening its commitment to faith-based education.

Rob Little is a comedian performing nationally and internationally, known for stand-up and improvisational comedy.

Gary Lockwood (born John Gary Yurosek, Feb 21, 1937) is an American actor best known for playing astronaut Frank Poole in 2001: A Space Odyssey (1968) and Lt. Cmdr. Gary Mitchell in Star Trek’s second pilot “Where No Man Has Gone Before” (1966). A former UCLA football letterman and stuntman, he starred in NBC’s The Lieutenant (1963–64). His film and TV career spans decades of genre-defining roles.

Loren Mall served as Director at Brega & Winters, PC, and was a past national president of Delta Sigma Phi, contributing to leadership in legal education and professional development.

Mark Martin served as Chief Justice of the North Carolina Supreme Court from 2014 to 2019, after decades of service on the state’s appellate courts. Known for his commitment to judicial integrity and transparency, he worked to strengthen public trust in the state judiciary.

John McLaughlin served as the Deputy Director of Central Intelligence from 2000 to 2004 and briefly as Acting Director in 2004. A U.S. Army officer during the Vietnam War, he began his CIA career in 1972, focusing on European, Russian, and Eurasian issues. McLaughlin played a pivotal role in shaping U.S. intelligence analysis and policy, including founding the Sherman Kent School for Intelligence Analysis and creating the Senior Analytic Service to promote career advancement for CIA analysts. After retiring in 2004, he became a Senior Fellow and Distinguished Practitioner-in-Residence at the Johns Hopkins School of Advanced International Studies (SAIS), where he continues to teach and provide strategic insights on global security and intelligence matters.

Pete Merkel lead Inertia Sports, a consulting firm serving NASCAR, NHRA, and more. He has over 30 years of experience with some of the biggest names in motorsports, including Penske and Dale Earnhardt, Inc.

A pioneer in the emerging science of early television, Everett Mitchell gained recognition for his groundbreaking experiments in “transmitting vision.” An expert in radio receivers, he built custom equipment capable of capturing faint experimental television signals broadcast from hundreds of miles away. From his base at Kansas State, Mitchell successfully received transmissions originating in New York City, Florida, Southern California, and beyond—feats that impressed engineers at RCA and CBS. One of his most notable demonstrations came during a televised simulation of a lunar eclipse, when his receivers captured the broadcast moments after it aired in New York, proving the technology’s long-distance reach. His ingenuity placed him at the forefront of early television research, and his legacy is preserved at the Early Television Museum in Ohio, where his original instruments are still on display.

Ralph Nafziger earned a Pulitzer Prize for editorial writing and pioneered using reader-attitude research in mass communication. The University of Wisconsin–Madison annually awards the Nafziner Award in journalism, named in his honor.

Mike Nahrstedt spent over 25 years at The Sporting News, editing books, yearbooks, and fantasy sports content, co-authoring Strikeout: The Story of Denny McLain. He later led digital content at regional Fox/Bally Sports networks, retiring in 2023.

William J. O’Neil was a pioneering investor and entrepreneur who graduated from SMU in 1955. He founded William O’Neil & Co. in 1963 and later launched Investor’s Business Daily in 1984, introducing the influential CAN SLIM research and investment methodology. A bestselling author of books like How to Make Money in Stocks, O’Neil was also a major philanthropist for SMU—establishing endowed chairs in business journalism and global markets, and founding the William J. O’Neil Center for Global Markets and Freedom—all enhancing the university’s academic excellence and educational reach.

Stephen Pepoon is known for his television writing on The Simpsons, ALF, Roseanne, and as co-creator of The Wild Thornberrys. His Simpsons episode “Homer vs. Lisa and the 8th Commandment” won the Emmy for Outstanding Animated Program at the 43nd Primetime Emmy Awards.

David Perdue represented Georgia in the U.S. Senate from 2015 to 2021. A business executive turned politician, he focused on economic development, fiscal responsibility, and national security issues, bringing private-sector experience to his public service.

Phil Plait is an astronomer, best known for his engaging science communication through his 'Bad Astronomy' blog, public lectures, and books making astronomy accessible to all.

Duane Saunders is a recognized innovator in physical therapy who founded The Saunders Group, Inc. in 1990. He developed and patented several rehabilitation and training devices—including the Saunders Sully Shoulder Support—that are distributed globally and used by clinicians in therapeutic and recovery settings.

In 2025, Issa Shahin was honored with a Racial and Social Justice Award by the Michigan Roundtable for serving as Dearborn’s first Muslim American police chief—recognized for inclusive leadership and community relations.

Mike Shanahan served as head coach of the Denver Broncos and Washington Redskins, winning two Super Bowls with Denver and establishing a reputation for offensive innovation and leadership.

Neil Shine began at the Detroit Free Press as a copyboy and rose to editor and publisher. He directed coverage that earned a Pulitzer for the 1967 Detroit riots and helped secure three more for the paper. His leadership was marked by his commitment to a free, independent, and honest press. Shine later became publisher of the Detroit Free Press and was recognized as one of the most influential voices in American journalism until his death in 2007.

Paul Splittorff was a long-tenured pitcher for the Kansas City Royals, beloved for his consistency, dedication, and later his career as a broadcaster with the team.

Jess Stainbrook is Founder & Chief Entertainment Officer of the Faith+Sports Programming Network (FSPN). An Emmy-award winning producer (eight wins, dozens of nominations), he creates faith-based sports content for major outlets and events, from the Olympics to the Super Bowl—blending storytelling, media leadership, and creative outreach.

Kevin Streelman is a successful PGA Tour professional, known for his smooth swing, sportsmanship, and multiple top finishes in major championships.

Todd Tiahrt served as a member of the U.S. House of Representatives from Kansas from 1995 to 2011. During his tenure, he focused on fiscal conservatism, national defense, and aviation policy, advocating for his constituents and shaping key legislative initiatives.

Mike Turner has represented Ohio’s 10th Congressional District in the U.S. House of Representatives since 2003. A leader on defense and intelligence issues, he serves on key committees shaping military and national security policy, while advocating for innovation and local economic development.

A standout offensive tackle from Hillsdale College, Jared Veldheer enjoyed an 11-season career in the NFL. He was drafted by the Oakland Raiders in the third round of the 2010 NFL Draft and played with the team through 2013. Veldheer went on to play for the Arizona Cardinals, Denver Broncos, Green Bay Packers, Indianapolis Colts, and briefly the New England Patriots. Known for his size and versatility on the offensive line, he appeared in over 120 career games and was a key starter for much of his professional career.

Jeremy Wacksman joined Zillow in 2009 and held multiple senior roles—including Vice President of Marketing & Product Management, Chief Marketing Officer, President of Zillow Brand, President of Zillow, and Chief Operating Officer—before being appointed CEO in August 2024. He played a central role in developing Zillow’s mobile platform, shaping its consumer marketing strategy, and expanding its business into rentals, home loans, and software tools via strategic acquisitions such as ShowingTime and Follow Up Boss.

John Walden served as CEO of Home Retail Group PLC, steering the company through growth and market expansion.

Charles R. “Cork” Walgreen III began his 58-year career with Walgreens in 1952 as a stock boy and rose to president in 1969, CEO in 1971, and chairman in 1976. He refocused the company on its core pharmacy business by divesting non-core assets and streamlined operations, doubling Walgreens’ store count to over 1,200 and positioning the chain for long-term growth. Retiring as CEO in 1998 and chairman in 1999, he later endowed a professorship at his alma mater’s College of Pharmacy.

Ross S. Whaley was President of State University of New York College of Environmental Science and Forestry, advancing sustainability and academic research programs.

Gil Williamson served as CEO of NCR Corporation—a global software, consulting and technology company—leading the organization through major technology innovations and global expansion.

Steve Wilson serves as Vice President and Director of Athletics at William Woods University, where he has driven strategic growth, boosting student engagement and athletic competitiveness.

Colonel (Ret.) Michael Wims served with distinction in the U.S. Air Force as Chief of Military Justice starting in 1987 and received the Air Force Commendation Medal. After retiring, he became Assistant Attorney General for Utah and Chief of Special Prosecutions, chaired the Criminal Law Section of the Utah State Bar, and served as National Chair of the ABA Prosecution Committee. His prosecutions were featured in Under the Banner of Heaven (Jon Krakauer), Cold-Blooded Kindness (Barbara Oakley), and A&E’s City Confidential. He authored How to Try a Murder Case (ABA, 2011) and served as an adjunct law professor at Widener University Law School.

Richard “Dick” Winters was a decorated U.S. Army officer who rose to fame as the inspiring commander of Easy Company, 506th Parachute Infantry Regiment, 101st Airborne Division, during World War II. He led his men through the D-Day landings, Operation Market Garden, and the Battle of the Bulge, earning multiple awards for valor, including the Distinguished Service Cross. Winters’ leadership, courage, and strategic insight became widely known through the book Band of Brothers and the HBO miniseries of the same name, where he served as a model of humility and integrity.