PJ Randhawa Honored With Northeastern Illinois University’s Highest Alumni Award: Award-winning investigative journalist PJ Randhawa has been honored with the 2026 Distinguished Alumna Award by Northeastern Illinois University (NEIU), the university’s highest honor bestowed upon a graduate. The recognition celebrates her outstanding career in journalism and her impact through investigative reporting and public service.
Randhawa, an investigative reporter with NBC 5 Responds, graduated from Northeastern Illinois University in 2008 with a bachelor’s degree in Communication, Media and Theatre. She later earned a master’s degree in journalism from DePaul University and built an extensive broadcast journalism career across several U.S. news markets before returning to Chicago in 2023.
Her work as a consumer investigative reporter has produced tangible results for viewers. Since joining NBC 5 Responds, her investigations have helped consumers recover more than $1 million, often addressing complaints, institutional failures and situations in which individuals struggled to obtain answers or refunds.
A Distinguished Journalism Career
Randhawa’s journalism has earned significant national and regional recognition. Her honors include seven Emmy Awards, two Edward R. Murrow Awards and a National Headliner Award. She was also named a 2023 DuPont finalist and has received awards from the Illinois News Broadcasters Association, Society of Professional Journalists and NLGJA: The Association of LGBTQ+ Journalists.
Before returning to Chicago, Randhawa served as an investigative race and equity reporter at KING 5 in Seattle and as a lead investigative reporter at KSDK in St. Louis. Her earlier investigations examined government mismanagement and contributed to policy changes involving issues including sexual assault and cyberstalking.
Her connection with NEIU has continued beyond her time as a student. Randhawa delivered the university’s December 2025 commencement address, reflecting on her experiences as an international student and the importance of mentorship in developing the confidence to pursue a career in journalism.
NEIU Celebrates Five 2026 Award Recipients
The Distinguished Alumna Award was part of NEIU’s 2026 Alumni Awards, presented during a ceremony on May 29 at the university’s Chicago campus. The university recognized four alumni and one future alumna for achievement, service and leadership.
Other 2026 honorees included Rogelio Villa Jr., who received the Alumni Service Award; Jennifer Franco, recipient of the Community Leadership Award; Aidé Hernández, Ph.D., who received the Outstanding GOLD Alumni Award; and Cassaundra Garcia, who was honored with the Future Alumni Leader Award.
