James and Martha Lamb

Born in Chicago, Jim Lamb graduated from Lane Tech high school where he focused on architecture and football. He arrived at NIU in 1948. His experience and success while at NIU was inspired by teachers and mentors, including, Don Berger, John Twombly, Carl Proehl, George Evans, and Martin Bartels. These were a few of the many individuals associated with NIU who helped enrich his experience and make it memorable. After receiving two degrees from NIU (B.S. in Social Science and Physical Education; M.S. in Education Administration), Jim became a teacher for a short while before he jumped into the then ‘new’ field of computers in 1956. During his days with IBM, Jim?s most memorable jobs included sales manager, Administrative Assistant to the Chairman, SME Certified Manufacturing Engineer, and developing Britani?s first effort at a fully automated production control system. Later Jim was IBM?s director of litigation programs during an era when IBM succeeded in disposing of 17 simultaneous anti-trust actions. After just over 30 years at IBM, Jim joined the U.S. Courts to help with modernizing their national automation programs. While Jim retired from this position in 1996, he never stopped ? he served as vice chairman of a small non-profit firm getting jobs for seniors.During his years at IBM, U.S. Courts and not-for-profit work, Jim always kept in contact with NIU. He served on the Alumni Association Board, which enabled him to work on a few tasks that included involving past presidents Leslie Holmes and John LaTourette. Both past presidents gave Jim insights and perspectives that strengthened his appreciation for challenges of the institution. He also was inducted in the NIU Hall of Fame in 1991 for his contributions on the football field with the 1951 team. Having served for several years in the federal Senior Executive Service with the Administrative Office of the U.S. Courts, Jim believes that this fund should be sustained as part of NIU?s political science curriculum. He is hopeful that other alumni will exceed his modest example of an endowment.Martha & Jim lost their first spouses to disease way too early.They are blessed with a happy second marriage with 18 grandchildren and one great granddaughter as of 2014. They keep room in their calendars for weekly tennis, golf, and church.