During the traditions tour that freshmen attend while at orientation, students learn some of the famous people that have attended DePaul in the Office of Admissions. These icons have all attended DePaul in some sort of way. Whether they have graduated or not, the admissions office mentions how they are part of the DePaul family. These icons have all left a lasting legacy in society, and DePaul is lucky to have these individuals as students in the university. Alumni or not, here are 10 notable icons who have attended DePaul University.
Pete Wentz
The bass player for the band Fall Out Boy was one month away from graduating DePaul University. While at DePaul he studied political science. However, he dropped out to pursue his career in music. Wentz and his band influenced the pop-punk scene of the 2000's. Some notable songs that this band produced includes 'Centuries', 'Dance, Dance' and ‘Uma Thurman'.
Monique Coleman
Better known for her fictional role as Taylor McKessie from "High School Musical." Monique graduated from the Theatre School of DePaul in 2002. She is an actress, dancer, and philanthropist. Coleman also competed in "ABC's Dancing With The Stars."
Gillian Anderson
Television and theater actress, Jillian Anderson graduated form the Theatre School of DePaul University in 1990. She earned her bachelor degree in fine arts. Her most notable role she plays is for the American sci-fi drama series "The X-Files." In this show, she is an FBI Special Agent named Dana Scully.
John C Reilly
Premiere of Fox Searchlight Pictures' "Cyrus" - ArrivalsJohn C Reilly is an actor, comedian, and screenwriter. His most recognizable role in film is when he plays Dale Doback in "Stepbrothers" with Will Ferrell. Reilly is an alumnus from the Theatre School at DePaul University. He was raised in Chicago as well.
Elizabeth Perkins
'The Boss' film premiere, Los Angeles, America - 28 Mar 2016Having obtained her degree in acting from DePaul University in 1981, Perkins went on to chase her dream in acting. Her film roles have included About Last Night, Big, and The Flintstones.
Joe Kerry
A recent alumni with a degree in fine arts of acting in 2014, Kerry had his breakout role in Stranger Things as he plays Steve. Before his involvement in Stranger Things, he went on with smaller acting roles in Chicago Fire and Empire.
Tarell Alvin McCraney
Since 2017, McCraney has been named the chair of playwriting at the Yale School of Drama. Before attending the Theatre School of DePaul University, he attended the New World School of the Arts in Miami. While an actor, he has worked at the Steppenwolf Theatre Company in Chicago.
Richard M. Daley
Former Chicago mayor Richard M. Daley is best known for making Chicago what it is today. He helped plan the Bean in Millennium Park, and developed the tourism industry of Chicago. Daley earned a Juris Doctor degree from DePaul University.
Ramsey Lewis
Jazz composer, and pianist Ramsey Lewis was born in Chicago in 1935 and attended DePaul University for music. He formed the Ramsey Lewis Trio with drummer Isaac "Red" Holt.
Judy Greer
Actress Judie Greer graduated from the Theatre School of DePaul University in 1997. She is known for her many romantic comedy films she has acted in. Some include What Women Want, 13 Going on 30, and 27 Dresses. Her most recent film she starred in is the 2018 remake of Halloween as she played the daughter of Laurie Strode who is Jamie Lee Curtis.