Press Release
NIU College of Law Honors Alumni for Public Service
and Outstanding Career Achievements
July 10, 2008
DeKalb, Ill. – The Northern Illinois University College of Law Alumni Council is pleased to announce the recipients of its 2008 Alumni Awards.
Lee County State’s Attorney Paul Whitcombe (’92) of Dixon, Ill., was named the 2008 Alumnus of the Year in recognition of his outstanding career achievements and dedication to the NIU College of Law. Tina L. Harris (’98) of Kansas City, Mo., received the Young Alumna Award, which honors NIU College of Law graduates who have outstanding achievements early in their careers and for their devotion to the public good. The Honorable Janet R. Holmgren (’85) of Rockford, Ill., received the Distinguished Service Award for her outstanding career achievements and devotion to the public good. The Honorable K. Patrick Yarbrough (’88) of Rockford, Ill., was presented with the Outstanding Service Award, which honors NIU College of Law graduates who have shown extraordinary service to the law school.
In addition to alumni, the College of Law Alumni Council honored NIU College of Law Professor Emeritus Jeffery A. Parness of DeKalb, Ill., as Professor of the Year for his continued support of graduates and involvement in alumni programs and events. Illinois Representatives Senator J. Bradley Burzynski, 35th District, and Representative Robert W. Pritchard, 70th District, were presented with Public Service Awards in recognition of their support to the College and to higher education.
Alumnus of the Year
Paul T. Whitcombe
Paul T. Whitcombe, a 1992 College of Law graduate, has been the Lee County State’s Attorney since 2004. During his first term, Whitcombe oversaw the creation of the Second Chance Program, Drug Court, and Mental Health Court. These innovative programs address the underlying causes of criminal behavior so that offenders can become productive citizens. Whitcombe also is an active member of his community and has served on numerous boards of civic and charitable organizations.
Young Alumna of the Year Award
Tina L. Harris
Tina L. Harris, a 1998 College of Law graduate, is regarded among colleagues and peers as an innovative and forward-thinking leader in diversity initiatives. As the chief diversity officer for the international law firm Bryan Cave LLP in Kansas City, Mo., she oversees the implementation of the Firm’s diversity programs. She has developed award-winning programs, including the successful Heartland Diversity Legal Job Fair, which was the first of its kind in the greater Kansas City metropolitan area. Harris also is a recipient of the President’s Award from the Kansas City Metropolitan Bar Association in recognition for her contributions to diversity, the Bar Association, and the community at large. Harris also presents seminars and Continuing Legal Education courses on employment law and diversity initiatives.
Distinguished Service Award
Honorable Janet R. Holmgren
The Honorable Janet R. Holmgren, a 1985 NIU College of Law graduate, is the chief judge in the Illinois 17th Judicial Circuit. She has served on the bench since her appointment as associate judge in 1995. During her tenure as a jurist, Judge Holmgren has served as presiding judge of the Family Division and was the facilitator for the Circuit Court’s Family Mediation Council. Judge Holmgren has been honored on numerous occasions for work as an advocate on behalf of abused and neglected children. She also is active in many civic and professional organizations, as well as with the NIU College of Law.
Outstanding Service Award
Honorable K. Patrick Yarbrough
The Honorable K. Patrick Yarbrough, a 1988 NIU College of Law graduate, has the distinction of being the first African-American to sit on the bench in the Illinois 17th Judicial Circuit. He was sworn in as an associate judge in January 2007. Prior to his judicial appointment, Judge Yarbrough served as an assistant state’s attorney in Winnebago County for 17 years. Beyond his professional responsibilities, Judge Yarbrough is active in the community and has served on numerous boards for civic and charitable organizations. He also remains involved with his alma mater and started a book scholarship fund for NIU College of Law students.
Outstanding Professor Award
Jeffrey A. Parness, Professor Emeritus
Although recently retired after 25 years with the NIU College of Law, Professor Emeritus Jeff Parness continues to teach at the College as a visiting professor. Professor Parness’ primary areas of scholarship include federal and state civil procedure laws, maternity and paternity laws, the legal status of the unborn, and judicial rulemaking. His legal writings include three textbooks on civil procedure and a book on the topic for practicing Illinois attorneys. He also penned several chapters for various legal resources, including the nationally acclaimed Moore’s Federal Practice. His articles have been published in numerous law reviews, and he has presented many lectures on his research. Professor Parness also has served as Reporter for the Allerton House Conference held by the Civil Practice and Procedure Section of the Illinois State Bar Association. He also presents at Continuing Legal Education programs.
Public Service Awards
Senator J. Bradley Burzynski, 35th District
Senator J. Bradley Burzynski of Clare, Ill., has represented the 35th Senate District in Illinois since 1993. He also serves as the assistant Senate Republican leader. He has been a strong advocate for the NIU College of Law and the University in his role on the Education and Higher Education Committees.
Representative Robert W. Pritchard, 70th District
Representative Robert W. Pritchard of Hinkley, Ill., has represented the 70th District since 2003. He has been a strong advocate for the NIU College of Law and the University in his role on the Appropriations-Higher Education and Higher Education Committees.
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For more information:
Contact: Melody Mitchell
Alumni Events & Public Relations
(815) 753-9655 or mmitchell@niu.edu