Ralph Johnson
Teacher
Computer scientist and educator, arguably most recognized as the Research Associate Professor in the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign's Computer Department.
He was preoccupied with computer coding and science as a child, and used this passion to fuel his career.
He co-wrote the educational tome, Design Patterns: Elements of Reusable Object-Oriented Software, which went on to become highly successful and influential.
He was born and raised in Illinois.
Both he and designer Eileen Fisher were affiliated with the University of Illinois at one time or another.