May 1, 2008

DeKalb, Ill. – Northern Illinois University College of Law is pleased to announce that the Honorable Bonnie M. Wheaton of the 18th Judicial Circuit received the 2008 Outstanding Alumni Award for the College of Law from the Northern Illinois University Alumni Association in recognition of her significant professional accomplishments and civic involvement.

Judge Wheaton, of Wheaton, Ill., was an outstanding student at the College of Law, graduating magna cum laude and first in her class in 1978. Her impressive academic career was followed by an equally impressive professional one. She is the presiding judge of the Chancery Division in the state of Illinois 18th Judicial Circuit and has served on the bench in DuPage County since her appointment as an associate judge in 1988. In 1990, she became a circuit judge and has been elected or retained ever since. Judge Wheaton began her legal career at Wylie, Wheaton & Associates, P.C. While there, she worked as a trial attorney and tried cases in DuPage County courtrooms for 10 years.

"Judge Wheaton exemplifies the fundamental ideals of public service and civic responsibility that the Northern Illinois University College of Law aims to instill in its students. As an unwavering supporter of the College, Judge Wheaton continues to reinforce these values among the students and her fellow alumni. It is gratifying to see her accomplishments and involvement recognized by the University," remarked Malcolm L. Morris, interim dean of the College of Law.

Throughout her distinguished career, Judge Wheaton has received many honors from professional and civic organizations. Among her accolades are the DuPage Association of Women Lawyers Glass Ceiling-Buster Award and Inspirational Woman Award, Women’s Bar Association of Illinois Mary Heftel Hooton Award, the Northern Illinois University College of Law Alumna of the Year Award, and the YWCA Outstanding Woman Leader Award in Government, Politics and Civic Affairs.

Judge Wheaton is a member of the DuPage County Bar Association and has served on its Board of Directors. She also remains active in the National Association of Women Judges, having participated in that organization since 1988. Judge Wheaton is on the Board of Visitors for Northern Illinois University College of Law and served a term as the Board president. She remains an active member of the Illinois State Bar Association and the DuPage Association of Women Lawyers.

In addition to her dedication to the legal community and professional activities, Judge Wheaton has demonstrated a long tradition of commitment to her community. She serves on the Board of Directors for Metropolitan Family Service DuPage and the Board of Trustees at Carleton College. Judge Wheaton previously served on the College of DuPage Foundation’s Board of Directors (2001-2007), the Board of Director’s for the B.R. Ryall YMCA (1987-88), the Wheaton Public Library Board of Directors (1982-1988), and the Board of Directors at the BASIC Child Care Center (1979-1982). Finally, Judge Wheaton has played cello with the DuPage Symphony Orchestra since 1971.

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For more information, contact:

Melody Mitchell
Alumni Events & Public Relations
815.753.9655
mmitchell@niu.edu

Judge Bonnie Wheaton (left) of the Illinois 18th Judicial Circuit was joined by fellow NIU College of Law alumna and DuPage County Judge Jane Hird Mitton ('83) and NIU College of Law Interim Dean Malcolm L. Morris at the NIU Alumni Association Awards Ceremony on April 24, 2008. Judge Wheaton received the Outstanding Alumni Award for the NIU College of Law.