Outstanding Honors Alumni Award 2022 Gary Timmons

Outstanding Honors Alumni Award 2022

Gary Timmins

Andrea Radasanu

This year, the University Honors Program sought nominations for the Outstanding Honors Alumni Award through the Huskie Herald newsletter. The deserving winner of the 2022 Outstanding Honors Alumni Award is Gary Timmins. He graduated in 2012 with a double major in political science and psychology and a minor in military science. He is currently employed with the U.S. Department of State as a foreign affairs officer (or U.S. diplomat). Prior to the Department of State, he worked as senior policy advisor to Congressman Bill Foster.

Timmins credits his experience in the UHP for much of his growth at NIU. “The University Honors Program at Northern Illinois University was one of the most rewarding experiences of my undergraduate career. The small seminar-style classes, supportive advising and extracurricular programs made available lead to unparalleled experiences and lifelong friends. It was an intellectual journey that allowed me the opportunity to challenge myself and helped to shape me into the person I am today.” Timmins is always willing to help the UHP and its students. He has stayed in contact with the program continuously since graduating a decade ago. He has attended Taft numerous times, including this past fall in 2021. Timmins has served on alumni panels, mentored students in a variety of ways and assisted with fundraising during Huskies United events. Timmins is a young alumni leader who has advised a series of program directors on engaging with the Honors alumni community.

Timmins has always made his Huskie family a high priority, which is especially admirable in a young alumnus whose demanding career and significant nuclear disarmament portfolio at the State Department keeps him incredibly busy. He is extremely deserving of this recognition, and the UHP looks forward to working with Timmins in the years to come.

NIU alumnus Gary Timmins brings a little Huskie spirit as he visits NATO Headquarters as part of the U.S. State Department.