The Blue Demon Elite: 7 DePaul University Alumni Dominating Hollywood, Tech, And Politics In 2024–2025
DePaul University, with its dual campuses in Chicago’s Loop and Lincoln Park, has long served as a powerhouse for producing influential figures across entertainment, technology, and government. The university’s emphasis on experiential learning and its deep roots in the vibrant city of Chicago have cultivated a unique breed of graduate, known as the Blue Demon elite, who are currently shaping their respective industries. As of
This article dives deep into the recent, up-to-the-minute accomplishments of the most notable DePaul graduates, offering a fresh perspective that goes beyond standard biographical entries. From a Tony Award-winning actor’s busy 2025 film schedule to a tech CEO’s latest industry accolades, these are the DePaul alumni who are setting the standard for success right now, showcasing the enduring power of a DePaul education.
The Theatre School's Global Impact: Entertainment Alumni Updates
DePaul’s Theatre School is one of the most respected conservatories in the United States, and its alumni consistently demonstrate its profound influence on Hollywood and the Broadway stage. The recent activities of its most famous graduates prove that the training received at the institution prepares them for a dynamic and competitive global industry.
Sean Hayes: The 2025 Film Slate and Broadway Return
Sean Hayes, a graduate of The Theatre School, remains one of the most recognizable faces in comedy and theater. While widely known for his Emmy-winning role as Jack McFarland on *Will & Grace*, his career trajectory continues to evolve with significant, high-profile projects scheduled for the near future.
- Recent Project: Hayes is set to lead the cast of a new Off-Broadway one-man play titled *The Unknown* by playwright David Cale.
- 2025 Film Schedule: He has signed on for two major film projects slated for release in 2025: Paramount’s highly anticipated thriller *The Running Man* and Searchlight’s new feature *Is This Thing On*.
- Production Work: Alongside his acting, Hayes and his husband, Scott Icenogle, run the production company Hazy Mills Productions, which has produced successful shows like *Grimm* and *Hot in Cleveland*, demonstrating his entrepreneurial spirit beyond acting.
Judy Greer: Versatility Across Genres
Another Theatre School graduate, Judy Greer, is celebrated for her incredible versatility, often stealing scenes in major blockbusters and critically acclaimed independent films. Her recent filmography is a testament to her constant work ethic and ability to pivot between genres.
- 2024 Releases: Greer is scheduled to appear in the films *Mabel* and *The Best Christmas Pageant Ever* in 2024.
- Upcoming Projects: She has been cast in the 2025 feature film *Dead of Winter*.
- Notable Roles: Greer is a familiar face across the entertainment landscape, with memorable roles in the *Halloween* franchise, *Arrested Development*, *13 Going on 30*, and the MCU (as Maggie Lang in the *Ant-Man* films).
DePaul’s College of Business: Tech and Finance Trailblazers
The DePaul University College of Business, located in the heart of Chicago’s financial district, has a powerful network of alumni. These graduates are not just participating in the global economy; they are leading it, particularly in the rapidly evolving sectors of cybersecurity and wealth management.
Darren Guccione: The Cybersecurity Visionary
Darren Guccione (MSA ’96), the CEO and Co-founder of Keeper Security, Inc., exemplifies the entrepreneurial success fostered by DePaul’s business programs. His company is a major player in the identity security and password management space, and his personal accolades are extremely current.
- Recent Accolades: Guccione was honored with the 2025 Trailblazing CEO of the Year award. He also received the 2024 Next Gen Executive of the Year award.
- Company Recognition: Keeper Security was recognized as the Overall Winner in Spiceworks’ 2025 awards, a significant industry validation.
- Current Focus: Guccione continues to drive the conversation around identity security, emphasizing the need for robust, intuitive, and elegant security solutions for IT administrators, a key theme in 2024 and 2025 security outlooks.
Notable Business and Finance Entities
The College of Business boasts a long list of influential figures who have shaped the financial and corporate landscape, demonstrating DePaul’s strong topical authority in the world of commerce:
- Stacy Janiak (BUS ’92): A prominent leader in the global consulting world, currently serving as the Chief Growth Officer at Deloitte.
- Joseph Adams (BUS ’77, MBA ’79): CEO & Managing Partner of RSM US LLP, a major assurance, tax, and consulting firm.
- Richard Driehaus: The late investment manager and philanthropist who founded Driehaus Capital Management.
- Richard Dennis: A legendary commodities speculator and co-creator of the "Turtle Traders" experiment.
- Sam Zell: The late billionaire real estate mogul and founder of Equity Group Investments, whose legacy continues to influence the global real estate market.
Government, Law, and Public Service Leaders
DePaul University's commitment to Vincentian values and public service is reflected in its alumni who have risen to the highest ranks of government and law. These individuals are actively involved in shaping policy and justice in Illinois and beyond.
Kwame Raoul: Attorney General of Illinois
Kwame Raoul is a highly visible and active political alumnus. He has served as the 42nd Attorney General of Illinois since 2019, having previously represented the 13th District in the Illinois Senate.
- Legal Career: Raoul is a lawyer who graduated from DePaul’s College of Law, showcasing the institution’s impact on state-level governance and justice.
- Current Work: As Attorney General, his work involves major public interest issues, consumer protection, and civil rights, keeping him constantly in the news cycle for his legal and political actions.
Other Influential Public Figures
DePaul's reach in public service extends to the non-profit sector and local governance:
- Paula Fasseas (LAS ’80): Founder of PAWS Chicago, one of the nation’s largest no-kill animal welfare organizations, demonstrating the public service spirit of DePaul graduates.
- Edward Michael Burke: A former Chicago alderman whose long tenure and recent legal proceedings have kept the DePaul name connected to major Chicago political headlines.
- Edgar Ramirez (BA 2000): President and CEO of Chicago Commons, a major non-profit organization focused on community and education.
The Enduring Legacy of the Blue Demon Network
The diverse and high-achieving roster of DePaul University’s famous alumni underscores the institution’s strength across multiple disciplines, from the creative arts nurtured at The Theatre School and The Art School to the analytical rigor of the College of Business and the College of Law. The recent, current, and upcoming projects of figures like Sean Hayes, Judy Greer, and Darren Guccione provide a tangible measure of the school’s ongoing influence.
Whether it’s shaping the future of cybersecurity with a 2025-awarded company, or starring in major films slated for 2025, these Blue Demons are not resting on past achievements. Their continued success and their presence in the current news cycle solidify DePaul’s reputation as a top-tier university that prepares its students to become true leaders and innovators in a constantly changing world.
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