More than 80 alumni, friends and staff members of the Northern Star gathered Saturday night for the fifth annual Star Alumni Hall of Fame Dinner and Induction Ceremony, held at NIU’s Convocation Center.

Six alumni were inducted into the hall of fame, including the first editor of the Northern Illinois, the predecessor to the Star, Alice Crosby.

Crosby produced the first issue of the Northern Illinois in October 1899. Then, the publication had a circulation of 200 issues per month. Today, the Star produces 16,000 issues per day, five times a week.

Also inducted were Candace Perkins Bowen, former reporter and editor from 1971-’72; Phil Kadner, former sports writer and editor from 1972-’74; Phil Luciano, former reporter and editor from 1985-’87; Lori Olszewski, former reporter from 1976-’77; and Jerry Smith, former reporter from 1961-’66.

Former Editor in Chief Kevin Wendt was awarded the second Outstanding Young Alumni Award.

Wendt, 26, graduated from NIU in May 2000 and was hired immediately as a news designer for the San Jose Mercury News in California. After three years, Wendt was promoted as the newspaper’s news and sports design director and has been recognized as one of the most prominent designers in the newspaper industry.

Honored with Bridgebuidler awards were Eric Barnes, Chris Belec, Matt Bute and Mike Logan. The former Star advertising representatives work for the Chicago Tribune and over the years have served as mentors for current Star advertising representatives.

The alumni dinner is held once a year to recognize Star alumni and their contributions to the journalism field.