Diane Noelke graduated from the University of Illinois with a degree in Finance in 1982. While at Illinois, Diane excelled in academics and her extra curricular activities. Her academic exploits made her a James Scholar and a member of the Dean's List. In her free time she focused on being an active member in the Alpha Chi Omega sorority and displaying her school spirit as a member of the Illinettes.

Today, Diane is a mother of four and is active with various charities in her hometown of Chatham, NJ, such as the PTP and the Newcomers Organization. She and her husband Robert have remained loyal Illini and are very active in Illinois activities as well as the Fighting Illini Scholarship Fund.