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Northern Illinois University

Executive Club

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NIU Executive Club
Barsema Hall 145
DeKalb, IL 60115-2897
(815) 753-1433
(815) 753-8050 FAX
braffet@niu.edu

Joseph J. Locke Receives Inaugural Founders' Award from NIU Executive Club

Schaumburg, IL, November 3, 2007 – The Northern Illinois University Executive Club today honored investment advisor Joseph J. Locke for his vision and drive in establishing an endowed scholarship fund that has attracted exceptional freshman applicants to NIU's College of Business. Robert Adducci and David Wilson, who co-founded the Executive Club in 1995, presented the first Founders' Award to Locke at its Ninth Annual Gala at the Hyatt Regency Woodfield.

Since its inception in 1999, the endowed scholarship fund has grown to more than $525,000. Ten outstanding students including Erik Calmeyer, the 2007 scholarship recipient from Johnsburg High School in McHenry County, have received scholarships to date. Previous scholarship recipients graduated from Buffalo Grove, Central High in Hampshire, Fremd, Lincoln-Way Central, Lockport, Morris, Oswego, Rich East and Yorkville.

In presenting the award, Adducci, a principal at Adducci Partners, Ltd. and 1980 graduate in management, recalled how recruiting Joe Locke as one of the very first executives to the Club's founding Board of Directors was a 'no brainer.' "Joe immediately made a significant impact with his infectious attitude and results-oriented style," Adducci said. "He took on the considerable challenge of spearheading the Gala and developed the Gala into one of the most successful fundraisers for NIU students and the signature event of the Club."

Wilson, a 1980 graduate with a degree in marketing and Executive Vice President of HSA Corporate Real Estate Services, Inc., added that when the NIU Executive Club was in its infancy, Locke was willing to put in the extra time and effort to make the Club successful. "Joe wasn't content to simply add his name to the letterhead," Wilson said. "Joe rolled up his sleeves and pitched in. It was a great lesson to see someone at that stage in his career give back to the university in such a meaningful way."

Locke graduated with a B.S. in Management from NIU in 1968 and was among the first board members of the Executive Club. In 1999 he received the College of Business Distinguished Alumnus Award, and in 2002 he was presented with the NIU College of Business Outstanding Aumnus Award for his outstanding success in business, volunteerism and community service. Today Locke oversees Joseph J. Locke & Company Ltd., an investment advisory firm in Forest Park, IL.

In accepting the award, Locke said, "It has been very rewarding to see the Endowed Scholarship Fund grow to such a meaningful benefit for outstanding NIU College of Business students. Many thanks to my peers for the recognition that really belongs to many dedicated Executive Club members who have worked hard over the years to make the gala a successful fundraiser."

About the NIU Executive Club

The NIU Executive Club fosters a sense of community among its 175 professional members by providing opportunities to build productive business relationships, interact with faculty and students on real world issues, and "give back" to the university through programs like the Endowed Scholarship Fund. Members range from "C-level" executives at Fortune 500 companies to owners and managers of entrepreneurial firms.

About The Northern Illinois University College of Business
Where the Classroom Meets the Business World

Northern Illinois University's College of Business enjoys a national reputation for the quality of its programs, faculty, and graduates. The college is currently ranked by both BusinessWeek and U.S.News and World Report as among the best undergraduate business schools in the nation. The college's M.B.A program is currently ranked by Crain's Chicago Business as among the top M.B.A. program offerings in Chicago. Fully accredited by the nation's foremost accreditation unit, AACSB International, the college's degree programs combine business fundamentals, thought-leadership and an entrepreneurial mindset to provide students with a clear understanding of the challenges faced by actual businesses in a rapidly changing global business environment. For more information on the NIU College of Business, visit www.cob.niu.edu.