Amelia Darling Alpiner Stern graduated in 1896 with a degree in English and Modern Languages. She is said to be the first female Jewish student to graduate from the University of Illinois and was a founding member of the University’s first sorority, Pi Beta Phi. As an alum, she organized the University of Illinois Mothers Association and became its first president in 1923. Women featured in...

Susan Lindquist graduated with a degree in Microbiology in 1971. She is one of the most respected molecular biologists in the world, now a professor at Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT). Susan is also the co-founder of FoldRx, a pharmaceutical company, and the first female director of the Whitehead Institute of Biomedical Research at MIT. She received the National Medal of Science award...

Shelia Crump Johnson graduated from the University of Illinois in 1970 with a Bachelor of Fine Arts. She was the first female African American cheerleader at the University of Illinois. In 1979, Shelia co-founded the ground breaking Black Entertainment Television (BET) network. She is also the Vice Chairman of Monumental Sports and Entertainment and the only African American woman to hold a stake...

Susan “Suze” Orman graduated from the School of Social Work in 1976 and went on to become an influential business icon, known for her financial advice, motivational speaking, writing, and television show. Suze is also the founder of the Suze Orman Financial Group. In 2009, she received an honorary Doctorate of Humane Letters from the U of I. Women featured in our weekly series are part of...

Terry Hite David came to the University of Illinois as a sophomore in 1968 as part of the Project 500 group. As a student, she played for the women’s volleyball team before Title IX legislation existed. She graduated in 1972 with a Bachelor of Science in Physical Education, left the university for two years, and then returned to complete a  a master’s degree in 1975 in administration. While...

Beth Dohme Wallin graduated with a degree in Home Economics in 1961. As a student, she was heavily involved in student organizations such as Alpha Lambda Delta, Omicron Nu, Torch, Psi Upsilon Omicron, and Mortar Board. Beth was also a member of Kappa Kappa Gamma, served as President of the Panhellenic Council, and was awarded “Outstanding Greek of the Year” in 1960. She graduated with honors. In...

Carol Lee graduated with a degree in Secondary Education, specializing in English, in 1966. She has been instrumental in helping minority students overcome road blocks such as negative stereotypes and lack of resources. Carol helped found the Institute of Positive Education, the Betty Shabazz International Charter School, the Barbara A. Sizemore Academy, and the Du Sable Leadership Academy. Carol...

Carol Moseley Braun attended the University of Illinois in the 1960s, but ultimately received her degree in Political Science from the University of Illinois-Chicago in 1969. She became the first female African American Senator to the United States Congress, serving from 1993 to 1999. Women featured in our weekly series are part of the 150 for 150 website Celebrating the Accomplishments...

Doris Kelley Christopher graduated with a degree in Home Economics in 1967. She is best known as the founder and chairman of The Pampered Chef. She is a Director on the University of Illinois Foundation Board and an avid donor to the University. Her contributions made possible the Doris Kelley Christopher Hall, which has created a welcoming space that brings faculty together across campus,...

Gayl S. Pyatt graduated from the College of Liberal Arts and Sciences in 1964. She later became the first female president of the UI Foundation and received the Foundation’s President’s Award for Service in 1995. In addition to her work with the UI Foundation, she has also been involved in the UI Alumni Association as a lifetime member. She received the Distinguished Alumni Award in...