Maria Krull is the primary reason the Northern Star Alumni group exists. Her organization and persistence in formally creating this entity has been, for her, a natural offshoot of the dedication and love she brings to her job every day.

A native of Italy, Maria graduated from NIU in 1985 and received her CPA in 1986. She started working at the Northern Star in 1987 as the business adviser.

Maria came to the Star at a turning point. The Star, ever a journalistic force to be reckoned with, needed a stabilizing force on the business side. Originally, that was thought of as someone who could give full attention to the paper’s accounting and bookkeeping functions. Before long, Maria transformed from “just” an accountant to a true business adviser. She helped develop training programs for the advertising staff, worked tirelessly with the accounting and billing departments … and became the constant presence that helps hold the Star together year after year, as the faces around her change regularly.

She was a tremendous, stabilizing force during a time of great uncertainty for Star students and alumni: the retirement of Jerry Thompson and the hiring of Jim Killam as Star adviser. And, it was shortly thereafter the Maria was instrumental in launching Northern Star Alumni as a formal, university-recognized organization.

Maria not only takes care of the business aspects of the Star, she also takes care of the human side: her children. Maria always is willing to listen to students’ problems and offer advice if she can.

She sticks her neck out for the Star time and again. In 1992, when disgruntled readers burned several thousand copies of the Star, Maria was the first to get on the phone with the advertisers and explain the situation, remaining business-like but still defending the Star’s First Amendment rights.

Maria’s commitment to the Star and the extended Star family knows no bounds. She truly is the tie that binds “Star types” — current students and alumni — together.

Maria lives in DeKalb with her husband, Charlie, affectionately known as “The Chief.” She travels to her homeland Italy once a year, but is an American citizen.