With stories of bonding with the stage crew, crashing parties at Chi Phi and working as a security monitor at Willard Residential College, Northwestern alumna and TV actress Nicole Sullivan, Communication ’91, reflected upon her NU experience and provided informal advice to current students Monday night.

Sullivan spoke at Pick-Staiger Concert Hall to about 50 students as part of the NU Alumni Speaker Series.

The event was funded by the Office of the Provost and co-sponsored by Associated Student Government and A&O Productions.

Sullivan has appeared in guest roles on TV shows such as “Party of Five” and “The Drew Carey Show” but is perhaps most well-known for her leading roles on “MAD TV” and “The King of Queens.”

Avid cartoon watchers might recognize Sullivan’s voice as that of the villain Shego on the series “Kim Possible.”

A theatre major during her time at NU, Sullivan said her experiences in college were preparation for her current career.

Sullivan praised the NU theatre department for providing her with a solid theater background but stressed that her years at NU helped her grow not just as an actress but also as a person.

“I realized that if I really wanted something, I had to go get it, and if I really wanted something, I had to demand it,” Sullivan said. “You don’t get anywhere in life being Miss Congeniality. That’s not to say that you should step on people, but you have to know what you want.

“This is such a good university for preparing you for what the real world is like,” she added.

In addition to explaining how her NU education prepared her for her career, Sullivan also noted the significance of the connections with NU alumni that she has made in her line of work.

“It’s kind of uncanny in L.A … they call it the ‘NU Mafia,'” Sullivan said. “There are so many (alumni) doing really well. Sometimes if you’re in a situation where you need a leg up, you’ll get a leg up.”

Still, she said talent is what ultimately allows an individual to be able to move up through the ranks of the entertainment industry.

“Connections are connections, but at the end of the day, it’s all about climbing the ladder,” Sullivan said. “One person cannot give you a job.”

At the end of her prepared speech, Sullivan turned candid and fielded audience questions about everything from her favorite NU memories to the study abroad experience to celebrity gossip.

“Whatever you have heard about her is true!” Sullivan quipped when asked about Paris Hilton. “She will die before she is 30.”

Some audience members said they appreciated Sullivan’s honest and laid-back approach to speaking.

Weinberg junior Tina Shah said, “She presented it in a light-hearted and friendly way that really resonated with the crowd.”