Luke Taylor: Alumni climbing the Forbes 400

Oct. 17—Each year's Forbes 400 list features a handful of former Illini, putting UI alumni among the richest people in America.

This year's cutoff to make the list was a net worth of $2.9 billion, meaning Steve Sarowitz ('87) won't be appearing this time 'round — he just missed the mark with his $2.7 billion.

Three others made it back on the list.

SHAHID KHAN ('71)

Flex-N-Gate founder, NFL team owner

Rank: No. 55

Net worth: $12.2 billion

Did you know: Khan is often credited for founding Flex-n-Gate, but he actually started as an employee, founded a company called Bumper Works, then merged the two when he purchased Flex-n-Gate from his former employer.

('59)

Chicago real estate, casino magnate

Rank: No. 167

Net worth: $6.3 billion

Did you know: Bluhm is known in the art world for collecting pieces from the likes of Andy Warhol and in the political world for his contributions — plus hosting Barack Obama's 49th birthday party.

THOMAS SIEBEL ('75, '83, '85)

Software pioneer and generous UI donor

Rank: No. 295

Net worth: $3.8 billion

Did you know: Siebel was into artificial intelligence before it was cool; he founded C3.ai in 2009. Products are aimed at businesses and government alike, including a program specifically designed to detect money laundering.

An honorable mention for a frequent campus visitor:

J.B. PRITZKER

Politician

Rank: No. 326

Net worth: $3.5 billion

Did you know: We know Pritzker as governor, but he's also heir to the Hyatt Hotel fortune alongside his brother Anthony, who climbed ahead of him to place 304th on the Forbes list.