Marketing major Cassaundra Garcia named Lincoln Academy Student Laureate

Northeastern Illinois University Marketing major Cassaundra Garcia is the University’s 2025 Lincoln Academy Student Laureate.

The Lincoln Academy of Illinois annually honors one graduating senior from each of the state’s four-year, degree-granting colleges and universities who demonstrates excellence in curricular and extracurricular activities. Each Student Laureate receives an Abraham Lincoln Civic Engagement Award certificate signed by The Lincoln Academy Chancellor Todd Shapiro and Gov. J.B. Pritzker, who serves as the President of the Lincoln Academy. Student Laureates also receive a Lincoln medallion, a challenge coin — to have as a continual reminder to be a leader who inspires and transforms communities through integrity, courage, honesty and empathy — and a $1,000 check from The Lincoln Academy.

“When I came to Northeastern, I realized that anyone could be a leader,” said Garcia, who came to Northeastern as a freshman. “You don’t need to change the world or be remembered in history books to be considered one. That realization got me thinking about what I believe it takes to be a leader — or at least which qualities matter most. To me, a good leader is someone who possesses empathy, knows how to listen, practices stewardship, shows selflessness, carries pride without arrogance, and is committed to growth and building community.”

For the past two years, Garcia has served as the President of the Northeastern chapter of the Association of Latino Professionals for America (ALPFA) and the Student Liaison for the NEIU Foundation Board. She is also part of the University Honors Program (UHP), President of the UHP Student Advisory Board, a Peer Mentor for College Readiness, Achievement and Retention Futuros and the Discover Yourself Living Learning Community (LLC) and a Lead Peer Mentor for the First-Year Experience program. Outside of Northeastern, Garcia was previously part of the Chicago Children's Choir and Hispanic Alliance for Career Enhancement’s University Leadership Program.

Director of Student Leadership Development Veronica Rodriguez inspired Garcia to play a more active role at the University.  Rodriguez encouraged her to get involved in student activities. However, due to a long commute home, Garcia often had to say no to opportunities during her first freshman and sophomore years. Then, Garcia earned the Honors LLC housing scholarship, which allowed her to live on the Main Campus at The Nest. By being closer to where her classes are held, she had more time to become an active participant in University life.

Garcia was nominated for the Lincoln Academy Student Laureate award by Professor of Anthropology and Coordinator of the UHP Jon Hageman, Ph.D. Dr. Hageman said Garcia excels both in and out of the classroom, noting that she co-presented the results of her Business Statistics class at the 2025 John S. Albazi Student Research and Creative Activities Symposium, while also being actively involved in clubs and organizations.

“To me, Cassaundra was an obvious nominee,” Dr. Hageman said. “Cassaundra's service embodies the spirit of the Lincoln Laureate award: leadership and service to others. Her extracurricular activities are dedicated to helping other students, including being a Peer Mentor, a Student Liaison to the NEIU Foundation Board, and president of ALPFA. She does all of this while excelling academically. In my experience, very few students have embraced this range of opportunities to the degree exemplified by Cassaundra. She's an excellent example for students who want to get the most out of their NEIU experience.”

Garcia plans to graduate in May 2026 and has already secured a job post-graduation as a Business Analyst at Deloitte — a global industry leader for audit, consulting, tax and advisory services — where she was an intern. Her future goals include continuing to develop herself and helping others grow — on both personal and professional levels.

“I feel incredibly honored and proud to have represented all the different communities I am part of,” Garcia said. “I feel equally proud to represent my family.  I hope — and believe — that they are proud of me too.” She continued, “Northeastern has incredible students, and I want to continue creating pathways for them to access incredible opportunities.”

Garcia and other Student Laureates from across the state were honored during the 51st annual Lincoln Academy Student Laureate Convocation, which was held Oct. 18, 2025, at the David Rubinstein Forum at the University of Illinois Chicago. In recognition of her achievements, Garcia was the student speaker for Northeastern’s December 2025 Commencement. Her best advice to students is to be flexible and willing to try new things.

“Say ‘yes’ more, as you never know where it will take you,” Garcia said. “My academic journey at NEIU began with saying yes to an admissions offer. My leadership journey began when I said yes when Veronica asked me to get involved in student activities. All the incredible experiences I’ve had, and this award, came after.” 

Top photo (left to right): Dr. Hageman with Cassaundra Garcia at The Lincoln Academy of Illinois awards ceremony.