Distinguished Alumni Class of 2015-2016
Christopher Goumas, Class of 1985
EDUCATION
Illinois State University, Bachelor of Arts in Art/Theatre
Brandeis University, Master of Fine Arts in Scenic Design
EMPLOYMENT
Late Show with David Letterman – Art Director
The Ellen Degeneres Show – Art Director
Shaffner/Stewart – Staff Art Director
The Late Late Show with Craig Ferguson – Art Director
The Tonight Show with Conan O’Brien – Art Director
The Pete Holmes Show – Production Designer
Conan – Art Director/Production Designer
COMMUNITY ACTIVITIES
Member of Art Directors Guild
United Scenic Artists
RECOGNITION / AWARDS
2011 Art Directors Guild Award Nomination – Conan
2010 Prime Time Emmy Award Nomination – Tonight Show
2007 Daytime Emmy Award Winner – Ellen
2006 Daytime Emmy Award Nomination – Ellen
2005 Daytime Emmy Award Nomination – Ellen
2004 Daytime Emmy Award Winner - Ellen
Distinguished Alumni Award Illinois State University, 2001
PROSPECT ACTIVITY INVOLVEMENT
Drama
Variety Show
Art
ADVICE TO STUDENTS
We are the history of what has come before us. That is a great responsibility we all share. Read, listen, and be patient and kind. Travel whenever you can. Avoid confirmation bias. Laugh. Appreciate silence. Be loyal. Be fearless. Have a great ride. Life is a wonderful gift. Try to leave the world a little bit better than when you arrived.
Todd Heisler, Class of 1990
EDUCATION
Illinois State University, Bachelor of Arts
EMPLOYMENT
Community newspapers around Chicago
2001 – 2006 Staff photographer for the Rocky Mountain News
2006 – Present staff photographer for The New York Times
COMMUNITY ACTIVITIES
Volunteer Photo Workshop instructor and mentor at the Bronx Documentary Center
RECOGNITION / AWARDS
2003 Pulitzer Prize for Breaking News – Rocky Mountain News
2006 Pulitzer Prize for Feature Photography – Rocky Mountain News
2010 National Emmy for "One In A Million," An Online Series for The New York Times
2011 Finalist for Pulitzer Prize for Feature Photography – The New York Times
PROSPECT ACTIVITY INVOLVEMENT
Cross Country
Soccer
Yearbook
ADVICE TO STUDENTS
Start studying another language. It is a humbling experience and it broadens your understanding of the world. Get a passport. Use it.