Claudine Trudeau, '92, Carries Huskie Grit from Silverette Years into Leadership
By Lia Kizilbash Gillet
Claudine Trudeau (center) reunites with Silverettes Rhonda Benn (left) and Eileen Nelson (right). (Photo: Claudine Trudeau)
As an NIU Silverette, Claudine Trudeau, ’92, learned what it meant to commit fully to a team — and to herself.
Being part of the Silverettes remains the highlight of Trudeau’s college experience, but earning her place on the team didn’t come easily.
“I tried out my freshman year and didn’t make it,” she said. “I was devastated.”
Although she had participated in the poms team at Kaneland High School, Trudeau had no formal dance training. Rather than give up, she enrolled in dance classes at NIU to build her skills and confidence. That preparation paid off. She tried out again as a sophomore, making the team that year and her remaining years at NIU.
“Being on the team taught me discipline, time management and social skills,” Trudeau said. “I was very shy before college, and it pushed me out of my comfort zone. It also kept me physically active.”
Her Silverette memories include unforgettable moments performing on the field, marching in parades and traveling to away games, as well as performing at a Bears-Packers game at Lambeau Field — experiences she still credits with shaping her sense of teamwork and pride.
Trudeau majored in physical education with an emphasis in fitness leadership, now known as kinesiology. Her path to graduation, however, required perseverance beyond the practice field.
“The second semester of my sophomore year, my GPA wasn’t high enough to stay at NIU,” she said. “Instead of letting that situation drag me down and give up, I went to the local community college and earned my associate's degree with honors. I reapplied to NIU, was accepted, and completed my bachelor’s degree.”
This determination — to learn from setbacks and keep moving forward — has guided both her personal and professional life.
“Don’t be afraid to make mistakes or fail,” Trudeau said. “Take risks, and if something doesn’t turn out as expected, keep trying or move in a different direction. Everything is a learning opportunity.”
Building a Career Through Grit and Leadership
Trudeau carried that mindset into a successful career in talent acquisition across industries ranging from software and engineering to publishing, finance, hospitality and healthcare. She is a Certified Healthcare Recruiter, a credential recognizing expertise and leadership in healthcare recruiting and HR practices.
Today, she serves as assistant vice president of talent acquisition for Vi, the parent organization of luxury continuing care retirement communities nationwide. In this newly created role, she built Vi’s talent acquisition function from the ground up, overseeing recruitment strategy, employment branding, systems, metrics and candidate experience.
Prior to Vi, Trudeau spent more than a decade as director of talent acquisition at Houghton Mifflin Harcourt, where she led a global recruiting team supporting one of the world’s largest education technology companies. Earlier in her career, she held leadership roles at Divine Interventures, Packer Engineering and ABN AMRO/LaSalle Bank.
Her professional journey began at Platinum Technology, a global software company, where she was hired as an administrative assistant to the CFO. Within four years, she progressed through multiple promotions — from recruiter to recruiting manager to director of recruiting — leading a team and helping support a rapidly growing, multi‑platform software organization. Platinum Technology was later acquired by Computer Associates.
Along the way, Trudeau faced layoffs and professional rejection, experiences she now views as pivotal turning points.
“I believe some changes were meant to be and led me to better opportunities I wouldn’t have pursued otherwise,” she said. “I’m very determined, and I persevere no matter the circumstances.”
At Vi, she continues to draw on lessons learned as a Silverette — bringing people together, understanding motivation and building teams that shape culture and community.
Claudine Trudeau (4th row, 6th from the left) poses with NIU Huskie Marching Band Alumni during homecoming, reuniting Silverettes from across generations. (Photo: Member, NIU Huskie Marching Band)Keeping the Huskie Spirit Alive
Each year, Trudeau looks forward to returning to DeKalb during Homecoming as a Silverette representative in the NIU Huskie Marching Band Alumni Network.
“I want to keep my Huskie spirit and connections alive,” she said. “Performing pregame and at halftime with current band members is incredibly special. Reuniting with former Silverettes, meeting alumni from different eras and getting to know the current team is a blast.”
She encourages former band members, color guard members and Silverettes to join fellow alumni and experience Homecoming from the field once again.
“Dr. Bough, the longtime director of bands, and Silverette Coach Lisa Morreale have been so welcoming and supportive,” Trudeau said. “The excitement, laughter and thrill of stepping onto the field together make the weekend unforgettable.”
Reunite with former classmates on at Homecoming 2026.
Want to relive the thrill of game day with former teammates on the field? Stay up-to-date on the Huskie Marching Band Alumni Network Facebook page and the Silverette Alumni Facebook page.