People & Profiles
Barry Slotnick ’93, ’00 MBA knew about the fitness benefits of slide boards — smooth, low-friction devices designed to facilitate low-impact lateral movement exercises and mimic speed skating technique. Looking for an indoor activity to maintain his lower body strength in the winter, Slotnick built a slide board in his off-campus apartment in the fall of his senior year — and UltraSlide was born.
A professor of economics and history, Joel Mokyr was awarded half of the 2025 Nobel Memorial Prize in Economic Sciences for his work identifying the societal factors that drive economic growth.
During his first week at Northwestern, Josh Sukoff marched through Weber Arch, holding a 360-degree camera overhead to document what he hoped would be the beginning of something extraordinary. Throughout his campus experience, Sukoff’s camera served as a passport to new places and perspectives.
As an undergrad, Rita Chang-Eppig ’04 realized that she didn’t understand people very well. Her writing is now informed by years of talking about human struggles as a clinical psychologist.
Jake Lyons ’22 started playing the online game GeoGuessr in high school but didn’t get serious about it until his junior year at Northwestern. Today, he’s turned his hobby into a career as a professional GeoGuessr player, tournament broadcaster and content creator.
As mayor of Highland Park, Ill., Nancy Rotering ’85 MBA prioritizes fiscal responsibility, public safety and community building. She also has a passion for teaching young people to advocate for themselves.
On Sept. 28, 2025, Taeyoung Lee ’26 finished his sixth international Ironman triathlon, becoming the youngest person to complete an Ironman on six continents.
Jason Rickard ’11 and his brother, Jordan, own and run FioRito, a “Midwest Italian” restaurant in their hometown of Wichita, Kan. This year they were named James Beard Award semifinalists in the Best Chef: Midwest category.
Wall Street Journal editor Justin Baer ’97 MS explores the famously secretive, family-owned company Fidelity in his new book, House of Fidelity: The Rise of the Johnson Dynasty and the Company That Changed American Investing.
As president of the NU Club of Greater New York, Idil Kara ’21 is creating spaces for alumni to connect and build community. Through events and outreach, she brings a sense of Northwestern to life in the city.
