Dr. Alexander Socrates Garivaltis

Dr. Alexander S. Garivaltis

   The parents of Alexander Socrates Garivaltis express with deep sorrow the passing of their beloved son on April 8, 2024, at the age of 38. A private burial was held at Belvidere Cemetery, Belvidere, Illinois, where he now rests peacefully in the embrace of angels.
   Alex grew up in Hinsdale, Illinois, participating in Little League, AYSO soccer, tennis, Show Choir, chess clubs and activities at Robbins Park. He graduated high school from the Illinois Math & Science Academy, Aurora, Illinois. It was a special honor and unique experience for him to attend IMSA.
   Mathematics was his joy and passion —a language he understood and found stimulating. Alex received a Bachelor of Science (pure math) and a Master of Science from Northern Illinois University, DeKalb, Illinois; and a Master of Science and a Doctorate from the University of Minnesota, St. Paul, Minnesota.
   Alex returned to NIU for a position in the Economics Department teaching from 2017-2024. He was a proud “Huskie” receiving tenure and title, Associate Professor. Alex developed a popular sports economics class, mentored graduate students and wrote many scholarly articles.
   We will fondly remember Alex at the batting cages, hitting buckets of golf balls, practicing electric guitar, his smooth forehand in tennis, an immense collection of books, tricky chess moves… But even more, his wide smile, infectious laugh, and his ability to explain complex problems in terms that we could all understand. Alex hiked Mount Parnitha and swam the azure sea at Marathon Beach — his happy place was in Greece, a place to be free, to think and discourse with his father problems of philosophy and mathematics.
    Alex is preceded in death by grandparents, Socrates and Eleni Garivaltis of Nestani, Greece; Raymond and Kathleen Sands of Glen Ellyn, Illinois. Alex leaves behind his father, Dimitris S. Garivaltis and his mother, Lori Sands (Cristián) Martínez. Aunts and uncles, Julie Sands Kalloway; Cheryl Sands (Fred) White; Yanoula (Adonis) Antonopolis; Dina (Giorgos) Gianimaris. Cousins, Kathleen Cutter; Jeff (Beata) White; Dimitris Gianimaris; Socrates Gianimaris; Vasilis Antonopolis, and extended family and friends who knew his sweet soul and loving heart.
    Our family would like to recognize NIU and the Human Resource Services. With gratitude we thank Liz Guess, Assistant VP-HR Chief of Staff; Brian Smith, Director of Employee Well-being, and extend heartfelt thanks to all the NIU staff who guided Alex through health challenges.
    Two scholarship funds have been established in regard to his wishes and to honor Alex through the NIU Foundation to support students in their quest for higher education in math and economics. For inquiries or contributions please visit the website: www.niufoundation.org or call: 1-877-448-2648.

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