Upon hearing the news, 1976 NIU alumnus Dan Loescher couldn’t believe he was this year’s recipient of the NIU College of Business Rockford Area Alumnus Award.

“I am really humbled and surprised, because there were a large number of NIU alums in the Northern Illinois, Southern Wisconsin region that are great candidates for this award,” Loescher said.

Loescher is president and founder of Loescher and Associates Ltd., established in 1994. He also is a Rockford area philanthropist.

“Dan Loescher has an outstanding passion for NIU and our club, that’s why he received the award,” said Jeff Wallem, president of the Rockford Area Alumni Club. Wallem also said the recipient must be successful in the business community, give service to NIU and the alumni club and show service to the community at large.

Loescher graduated from NIU with a bachelor’s degree in accountancy. He then got a job at Coopers and Lybrand, and moved his way up to the managing partner and tax partner in charge of the company’s Rockford office.

In addition to running his own company, Loescher is a prominent figure in the Rockford community. He has sat on six for-profit boards and 20 not-for-profit boards, for 12 of which he served as treasurer or chairman. He currently sits on 11 not-for-profit boards and several for-profit boards. Loescher also was involved in the development of the NIU campus at Rockford.

“It is tough to manage time and still make a living, it’s a fine balancing act,” Loescher said. “But it is a lot of fun. It gives me the opportunity to impact others.”

Loescher’s son Christian graduated from NIU in May.

“He is very dedicated to helping people,” Christian Loescher said. “I am very proud to be his son.”

Dan Loescher said he got where he was today by following the paths of others who gave him a head start. He did have some advice for NIU students.

“Don’t be afraid to be genuine, and identify some mentors and leaders, follow them, and listen,” he said.