Northeastern Illinois University graduates December Class of 2025

Northeastern Illinois University’s December 2025 Commencement ceremony was held on Dec. 14 at Credit Union 1 Arena in Chicago.

Themes of bravery and overcoming obstacles echoed throughout the ceremony.

NBC 5 Responds Consumer Investigative Reporter PJ Randhawa encouraged graduates to be courageous in the pursuit of their goals and know they are well-prepared.

“Graduates, as you enter or continue in the workforce, you’ll all be labeled, categorized, stereotyped,” Randhawa said. “The biggest lesson I learned early on is: define yourself. Ask yourself who you are and, more importantly, who you want to be. Write your own story before somebody does it for you, because it takes courage to grow up and become who you really are.”

Randhawa, who earned her Bachelor of Arts degree from Northeastern in Communication, Media and Theatre in 2008, felt honored to return to her alma mater as the Commencement speaker. She shared how she came to Northeastern as an international student under difficult circumstances. Yet, the encouragement she received from faculty and staff made her feel seen and changed the course of her life.

“I was lucky enough to find mentors and professors here that actually took the time to get to know me, encourage me, support me,” Randhawa said. “The best of them actually saw me. I remember it was early on during my time here that one of the professors told me she ‘saw a love of learning in me.’ At the time, I really didn’t understand what that meant, but over the years, when I’d been lost or seeking a path, wondering where to go, I thought about that and it brings me back to my purpose, how I want to grow and embrace my curiosity. At NEIU, I finally found a path and the confidence to write my own story.”

President Katrina E. Bell-Jordan, Ph.D., extended her congratulations and well wishes to the graduates, noting that completing a college degree is no small feat.

“Alongside all of the commitments and responsibilities you had, your passion, your tenacity and determination for your education have paid off,” President Bell-Jordan said. “You have risen to meet the challenges that you have faced in order to achieve your academic goals, and today is a celebration of those efforts, as well as all those who stood with you, who lifted you up and who believed in you.”

Northeastern Board of Trustees Chair J. Todd Phillips reflected on the winter holidays being a season of giving and shared “gifts” on behalf of the University: appreciation for President Bell-Jordan, the administration and the staff; appreciation for the faculty; optimism for the family and friends of graduates; and congratulations for the graduates.

“Keep climbing, keep growing, keep learning, keep giving, keep pressing,” Phillips said. “Continue to aspire to the greatness you’ve already achieved and continue to have some fun while you’re doing it.”

The ceremony’s student speaker was Northeastern’s 2025 Lincoln Academy Student Laureate Cassaundra Garcia. She said the biggest motivating factor to earning her degree is proving to her siblings that anything is possible. Garcia encouraged graduates to not be scared of challenges, but instead, remember all they’ve accomplished.

“You will be tested,” Garcia said. “Do not shy away, though. Instead, seek discomfort. For as surely as the sun rises in the east and sets in the west, you shall overcome. If you are here today, that is proof. Whatever comes next on your path, even if you’re unsure what it is, know that you will succeed.”

Randhawa also encouraged graduates to stretch themselves and not stay within their comfort zones.

“Life isn’t about finding yourself, it’s about creating yourself,” Randhawa said. She continued, "Graduates, we don’t get what we deserve in this life. We get what we take. We get what we ask for, what we work for. So, embrace discomfort. If it scares you, if it pushes you, it’s probably exactly where you need to be.”

President Bell-Jordan left graduates with five parting thoughts to keep with them: to be proud of how far they’ve come; use their knowledge and skills to make a meaningful difference in the world; be purposeful in seeking wisdom and help others; make sure everyone knows Northeastern is their alma mater; and stay connected to the University.

“As you leave NEIU, we encourage you to continue developing your talents and skills; to live, work and lead with purpose; to lend a hand when and if you can; and to recognize the joy and gifts that others bring to our lives,” President Bell-Jordan said. “On behalf of the entire Northeastern Illinois University community — our faculty, staff, students, alumni, many friends and supporters — I extend heartfelt congratulations to you, the Class of 2025, and very best wishes on your graduation.” 

Also during the ceremony

• The processional and recessional were performed by the NEIU Wind Ensemble directed by Assistant Professor of Music Education and Director of the Wind Ensemble Amanda Greenbacker-Mitchell.
• The national anthem was performed by student vocalist Alacia Williams.
• Vice President of Institutional Advancement Liesl Downey welcomed new graduates into the University’s Alumni Association as Class of 2025 joins a community of more than 90,000 alumni. 

Top photo (from left to right): Northeastern Vice President of Institutional Advancement Liesl Downey, PJ Randhawa, Northeastern President Katrina E. Bell-Jordan.