Member Spotlight: Justin Barbin

Paying it Forward with Support for Student Organizations

While visiting the Northwestern University Evanston campus as a prospective student, Justin Barbin ’11 felt immediately at home. Everywhere he went, “I was greeted by such warmth and hospitality. The campus was full of so many little magical moments.” The deal was sealed when he visited another college that same week and “it was night and day in terms of the culture. I knew that I was meant to go to Northwestern, and it’s been the best decision of my life,” Barbin says.

Barbin was involved in many different student groups and activities while pursuing his communication studies degree in the School of Communication, and he still supports those organizations near and dear to his heart.

“Even though I wasn’t a theatre major, I joined the Student Theatre Coalition, and The Dolphin Show,” Barbin says. “I was part of a theater production every quarter, and it’s where I met some of my lifelong best friends. So many integral life and business skills were fine-tuned by producing these shows,” he continues.

Barbin was also a part of Mayfest Productions, which organizes Dillo Day. “What would campus be without it? This group of students from all parts of the University creates a day that we all look forward to year after year,” he says. Barbin continues, “Not many people see or know just what it takes to keep Dillo running. The entire team deserves to have their professionalism and work ethic acknowledged and praised.”

Another area Barbin is passionate about is Dance Marathon. “The students involved in this event make such a positive impact on the local community and each national organization that they support each year,” he says.

Barbin also got involved with Camp Kesem, which provides multiple weeks of no-cost camp every summer to children whose families have been affected by cancer. Barbin says, “This organization hits very close to home, since I lost a parent to cancer during college. Even now I make sure to donate my time and energy each year to ensure that the children who attend the camp are well-supported and have the time of their lives.”

With 13 consecutive years of giving, Barbin has gold-level status in NU Loyal. As a former recipient of financial aid, Barbin understands the importance of giving back to his alma mater. “My family did not have the means to monetarily support me throughout my time in college, so I knew I had to work extra hard,” he says. “Through the immense help of a life-changing financial aid package from Northwestern, my student job at Norris Center, and other outside scholarships and grants, I was able to afford an education that enriched my life in so many ways,” Barbin says. He continues, “I love giving back to Northwestern because the University provided me with so many opportunities in my life, and I want to make sure other students continue to have the support to make a difference in their communities and the world.”

Barbin is still very connected to Northwestern, often photographing student and alumni events. After honing his passion for photography over the years, he has achieved what he calls “a career beyond his wildest dreams.” His work runs the gamut from live events to fashion shows, editorial images, weddings, portraits, and more. Additionally, his photos have been featured in numerous publications, including People, Vogue, the New York Times, and the Chicago Tribune, as well as in campaigns for Nike, Gillette, and TJ Maxx. He has photographed numerous shows on Broadway and is also deeply involved in the Chicago theater scene, collaborating with the Goodman Theatre, Chicago Shakespeare Theater, Drury Lane Theater, Marriott Theatre, and the Joffrey Ballet. “From the very first time I set foot on campus, I started taking pictures of every aspect of my college life. Little did I know that the outpouring of support from my fellow Wildcats and Northwestern itself would lead to establishing a path that has taken me around the world,” Barbin says.