National Alumni Board
The SXU National Alumni Board of Directors is a diverse group of alumni representing a wide range of class years, genders, academic disciplines, and geographic regions.
Serving as dedicated volunteers and ambassadors for ºÚ¹Ï³ÔÁÏÍø, National Alumni Board members strengthen alumni connections and foster fellowship across the country. In partnership with the Office of Alumni Relations, the Board advances the University's mission, vision, and strategic goals through meaningful programs and events. Members also play a vital role in encouraging and empowering fellow alumni to stay actively engaged with their alma mater.
The National Alumni Board is instrumental in advancing ºÚ¹Ï³ÔÁÏÍø's strategic priorities while cultivating a strong sense of loyalty, connection, and Cougar pride at both local and national levels.
For more information about National Alumni Board membership or alumni activities, please contact the Office of Alumni Relations at 773-298-3315 or alumniFREESXU.
Important Application Dates:
- Open: Now - April 15!
- Review: April 16 - 24
- Interviews: April 27 - May 1
- New Members Selected: May 15
Board Members
| Alumni Association Executive Officers | |
| Terry Cornell, Jr. '97 President ![]() |
Terry D. Cornell Jr. '93 holds a bachelor's degree in criminal justice from SXU and a master's degree in jurisprudence from the Loyola School of Law. He has been involved in the real estate arena for over 30 years and has built several companies from scratch that have grown to multi-million-dollar corporations. Currently, Cornell Jr. is part of the growth of a very large mortgage banking operation handling delicate issues and dealing with regulators in most states. He is also a problem-solver -- no problem ever too big. Cornell Jr. loves to build companies and make them grow. He has raised millions of dollars for Catholic schools, developmentally disabled children and adults, and veterans. Cornell Jr. is a Navy and Air Force veteran and involved with several veteran organizations, including the American Legion, where he has leadership roles in the state of Illinois. He is an enrolled member of the Cheyenne Arapaho Tribe of Oklahoma. In his leisure time, he likes to hunt big game on tribal reservations. He also enjoys spending time with his daughter, Megan Cornell-Adamo (also a member of this Board), and her family. |
| Sergio Senese '01, '18 Vice President ![]() |
Sergio V. Senese is a two-time graduate of ºÚ¹Ï³ÔÁÏÍø, obtaining a bachelor's degree in computer science and returning to earn an MBA in 2018. In addition, he holds a master's degree in computer science from Governors State University and is currently pursuing a doctorate in technology at Purdue University. While attending SXU, he was a member of Beta Gamma Sigma, the SXU Graduate Student Advisory Board, and the Student Success Program (SSP). Currently, Senese works at the Metropolitan Water Reclamation District of Greater Chicago in the information technology department. Senese has worked in the information technology sector for over 25 years, specializing in areas such as health care and government. Recently, he was accepted into the U.S. Army National Guard Cyber Officer Direct Commissioning Program for the Cyber Corps and is awaiting his official assignment. Senese grew up in the Mount Greenwood neighborhood and remains active with local groups, veterans' organizations, schools, and the community. He is a local product and living proof of what SXU can provide to prospective students, especially those who live near the University and may have similar life situations to his own. Outside of work, he enjoys playing organized, competitive baseball and spending time outdoors, visiting new places, and being with family and friends. |
| Lisa Simmons '10 Secretary ![]() |
Lisa Simmons is a second-grade teacher at Woodgate Elementary School in Matteson, Illinois, with 24 years of teaching experience. Simmons is passionate about helping students become the best version of themselves by empowering them to focus on their studies and apply the skills they have learned to real-life situations. She always tells her students that learning should be fun and her classroom is a safe place to share, make mistakes, and grow. Before the classroom, Simmons spent 13 years in Corporate America, where she was a meeting planner for several major not-for-profit organizations and managed multi-million dollar events. Event planning is a passion Simmons still possesses, and she continues to use her planning skills for her family and friends. Planning successful events, seeing people smile, and enjoying the festivities are empowering for Simmons. Simmons is a mother of two children: a daughter who is 28 years old and works for the Department of Homeland Security in Indianapolis, Indiana, and a 24-year-old son who is a graduate of ºÚ¹Ï³ÔÁÏÍø (Go Cougars!) and has come back to the University to help coach the SXU Cougar football team. In her free time, she enjoys watching football, basketball, baseball, reading a good book, watching a good movie, and traveling the world. |
| National Alumni Board Members | |||
| Gloria Barrera '07 Nursing ![]() |
Gloria E. Barrera, MSN, RN, PEL-CSN, works as a certified school nurse at a public high school outside of Chicago and is co-director of the RN-BSN program at UIC. She is committed to being a lifelong learner and continues her efforts to improve child health outcomes in the most vulnerable populations through her current practice, advocacy, and teaching.
|
Robert Burns '99 Business Administration/Finance |
Robert (Bob) J. Burns grew up on the South Side of Chicago and attended Catholic schools
from first grade through college graduation. His father was a Chicago police captain,
and his mother taught special needs for Chicago Public Schools. He had a wonderful
childhood and loves the city of Chicago and all of its wonderful neighborhoods. |
| Megan Cornell-Adamo '12 Secondary Education ![]() |
Megan Cornell-Adamo knew from a young age that she wanted to be an educator and has
been involved in many different aspects of the educational field. During her time
at Purdue University, where she earned her bachelor's degree in English, she was a
tutor in the Writing Lab and participated in several projects that enriched the educational
experience within the field of rhetoric and composition. |
Shanee Hunter '07 Management ![]() |
Shanee Hunter is the owner of HR Philosophy, LLC, a consulting firm dedicated to providing
accessible, innovative, and engaging HR experiences to small businesses and municipalities
across Chicagoland and Madison, Wis. |
| Diana Lang '19, '21 Finance ![]() |
Diana Lang graduated from ºÚ¹Ï³ÔÁÏÍø with a bachelor's degree in finance
and returned to earn an MBA in 2021. While attending SXU, she was a member of the
women's soccer team. |
Frankie Markasovic '15 Marketing and Management ![]() |
Frankie Markasovic is a proud SXU alum. He attended SXU from 2011 to 2015, taking
most classes in the Graham School of Management and living on campus. He was very
involved on campus during his time at SXU, serving in groups like SAB (Student Activities
Board), SBA (Student Business Association), Campus Ministry, and Campus Life. He also
served as a student ambassador during the FOCUS orientation program. During his four
years at SXU, he played football on scholarship as an offensive lineman. He was a
four-year starter, captain, and a national champion. The 2011 team was recently inducted
into the SXU Athletics Hall of Fame. SXU holds a very dear place in Markasovic's heart.
Go Cougs! |
| Joey Markasovic '22 International Studies ![]() |
Joey Markasovic graduated from ºÚ¹Ï³ÔÁÏÍø in 2022 with dual degrees in
finance and management, laying a strong foundation for his dynamic career. During
his time at SXU, Markasovic was deeply engaged in campus life, serving on the Business
Student Advisory Council and excelling as a team captain for the SXU football team.
His leadership and work ethic earned him All-American honors and MFSA Midwest Defensive
Player of the Year award, reflecting his commitment to excellence both on and off
the field. |
Taylor Porter '18 |
Taylor Porter is a transparent and forward-thinking leader, often known for her creativity, operational expertise, and strategic execution. She drives business growth by inspiring and empowering her teams to achieve outstanding results, championing change, and upholding both the values of McDonald's and her personal principles. As an operations manager for McDonald's Corporation, Porter currently leads the North Texas market with passion and purpose. |
| Adam Reyes '15 Business ![]() |
Adam Reyes is a relationship manager at Wintrust Financial Corporation. He has worked
in the financial industry for the last 14 years, beginning his career in banking at
the Chicago Patrolmen's Federal Credit Union, now known as the National Police Credit
Union. That position sparked his interest in finance, banking, and business, inspiring
him to enroll in the MBA program at ºÚ¹Ï³ÔÁÏÍø. He graduated in 2015
with a foundation in business administration that led him to his current role. |
Michelle Tourtillott '12 |
Michelle Tourtillott is a proud ºÚ¹Ï³ÔÁÏÍø alumna. Tourtillott graduated
magna cum laude from SXU in 2012 with a bachelor's degree in political science and
a Spanish minor. She was a member of the nationally ranked NAIA Division I Women's
Basketball team under Coach Bob Hallberg. During her time at SXU, Tourtillott earned
the National Association of Intercollegiate Athletics (NAIA) Champion of Character
Award, NAIA All-American Scholar Athlete, and Chicagoland Collegiate Athletic Conference
(CCAC) All-Academic Team recognitions. On campus, she also served as president of
the American Red Cross Club, where she led student-driven initiatives focused on community
outreach and humanitarian support. |
| Sherry Ward-Franklin '15 Secondary Education ![]() |
Sherry Ward joins the ºÚ¹Ï³ÔÁÏÍø National Alumni Board, eager to share
her organizational and interpersonal gifts to catalyze visibility, fundraising, and
recruitment efforts. She is excited to support the University in time and talent to
ensure the Saint Xavier legacy thrives in the Chicagoland area and beyond. |
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