DeKalb, Illinois – October 2025 — Northern Illinois University students will have a rare opportunity to hear firsthand how successful alumni built their careers when Sigma Phi Epsilon’s Illinois Epsilon chapter presents “Beyond the Degree: How NIU Alumni Built Their Careers” on Wednesday, October 29 at 6:00 PM in Holmes Student Center, Room 505. The free event brings together a diverse panel of alumni leaders from marketing, logistics, engineering, media, finance, and manufacturing to give practical, actionable advice on resumes, networking, internships, career growth, and more.
“This panel is about connecting students with alumni who’ve been through the job search, the career pivots, and the leadership lessons that don’t come from textbooks,” said Markus Loving (NIU ’91), Event Lead and co-moderator. “Our goal is to give students real tools; questions to ask, skills to develop, and confidence to pursue opportunities so that they can leave with tangible next steps for their careers.”
Why students should attend
“Beyond the Degree” is designed to be intensely practical. Panelists will discuss:
- What employers really look for in new hires;
- How to turn internships into long-term opportunities;
- Resume and interview tips that get noticed;
- The role of curiosity, grit, and networking in career advancement; and
- Live Q&A to ask the specific questions students want answered.
The event is free and open to all students. Attendees will also have the opportunity to establish direct connections with alumni who are currently hiring, mentoring, and recruiting in their respective fields.
Meet the panelists
The panel features a cross-section of NIU alumni who have built distinctive careers:
- Thomas Caruso, NIU ’90 — General Manager, Americas Controlled Environments, Vileda Professional. A marketing graduate whose career began in technical B2B sales at Motorola, Thomas grew Vileda’s controlled-environment business in the U.S. to more than $33 million in sales. He brings deep experience in B2B market building, contamination control for life sciences, and leadership in scaling teams and products.
- Chris McMillin, NIU ’90 — Vice President, Project & Integration Management, AIT Worldwide Logistics. A computer science graduate and former software consultant, Chris has led tech-driven projects, founded and sold a tech services business, and now oversees strategic integration and operational excellence at a global logistics firm.
- Rolly Lagman, PMP, NIU ’91 — Head of US Commercial Engineering, ThousandEyes (part of Cisco). Rolly combines technical expertise and commercial leadership to deliver engineering-driven business results at a leading observability and network intelligence company.
- Robert Teinowitz, NIU ’88 — President, Live Action Media/Producer (FIFA). A communications graduate who cut his teeth teaching cultural onboarding at Walt Disney World, Robert has built a career in sports marketing, event production, and storytelling that blends business results with social impact.
- Deo Cerrone, NIU ’91 — Chief Operating Officer, Futures International LLC. An entrepreneur at heart, Deo began as a runner in the futures and options trading pits and eventually built his own firm. His story emphasizes the value of resilience, practical learning outside the classroom, and starting from the ground up.
- Dan Young, NIU ’89 — CEO & Chairman, United Laboratories, Inc. With a multi-decade career at United Laboratories that includes roles from marketing copywriter to CEO, Dan led the company through expansion, acquisitions, and strategic recovery during turbulent times; demonstrating the importance of leadership and adaptability.
Moderators & partners
The conversation will be co-moderated by Cayden Wells (Northern Star journalist and communications student) and Markus Loving, who will steer the panel toward student-focused takeaways and a robust Q&A. The event is presented by the men of Sigma Phi Epsilon — Illinois Epsilon and is free to all students.
Registration & additional details
Students are encouraged to register and find event information at RaiseYourBar.Site. Faculty and student organizations are invited to promote the event, bring classes, and participate in the Q&A. For media inquiries or to request interviews with panelists, contact the event lead through the SigEp Illinois Epsilon portal, SigEpsNIU.com.
About Sigma Phi Epsilon — Illinois Epsilon
Founded at Northern Illinois University in 1969, Sigma Phi Epsilon — Illinois Epsilon (SigEp) builds leaders of character through the Balanced Man Program, academic excellence, and a culture of mentorship and brotherhood. Guided by values of virtue, diligence, and brotherly love, the men of Sigma Phi Epsilon at NIU are committed to personal growth, health, and service. The chapter creates real-world opportunities, from scholarships to alumni panels like “Beyond the Degree” that help students translate classroom learning into careers and lifelong networks. Committed to leadership, resilience, and practical support for the next generation, SigEp Illinois Epsilon equips young men to lead with integrity and confidence.
Location Info:
Sigma Phi Epsilon
920 West Hillcrest Drive, DeKalb, Illinois 60115
(815) 206-8563
