Ready to Lead

The mission of Northeastern Illinois University is to provide an exceptional environment for learning, teaching and scholarship to prepare a diverse community of students for leadership and service in our region and in a dynamic multicultural world.

Northeastern’s December 2025 Commencement will be held at 2 p.m. on Sunday, Dec. 14 at Credit Union 1 Arena, 525 S. Racine Ave., in Chicago. Tickets are required and made available only to graduates and their guests. The ceremony will be livestreamed at neiu.edu/commencement. The University is excited to welcome more graduates into its growing alumni community of more than 90,000 Golden Eagles.

Here are some of the candidates for graduation this December: 

College of Arts and Sciences

Mayra Montante 
B.A. Psychology, Sociology minor

Montante completed her associate’s degree at Wilbur Wright College in Spring 2004 and began her Northeastern journey that fall. She wasn’t able to complete the program and stepped away from her studies after the Fall 2010 semester because, as it does, “life happened.” As the oldest of five children, and the only one without a bachelor’s degree, she re-enrolled at Northeastern in the summer of 2025 to finally complete what she started 15 years ago.

“From my first visit, I felt inspired by the faculty and students, and I knew it was the right place for the next chapter of my education,” said Montante. She continued, “What I enjoy most about being a Northeastern student is the sense of community and support from both faculty and classmates. I love that professors are approachable and genuinely invested in our success.”

One of the professors that Montante connected with was Acting Associate Dean of the College of Arts and Sciences and Professor of Psychology Amanda Dykema-Engblade, Ph.D.

“Mayra is a delightful human,” Dr. Dykema-Engblade said. “She has faced a number of hurdles along the way but has been tenacious in the pursuit of achieving her degree. She represents the hard-working, 'hungry' NEIU student — someone who is ready to learn and has a desire to use that knowledge in the workforce to make a positive difference.”

Dr. Dykema-Engblade shared that, while working on her degree requirements, Montante took a Service Learning course with her, where she did extensive work with SitStayRead, a not-for-profit literacy program that partners with Chicago Public Schools. Montante also volunteered with the College of Arts and Sciences at the Chicago Marathon and Northeastern’s Career Fair.

“Being at Northeastern has given me opportunities to grow academically, make meaningful connections and challenge myself in ways I hadn’t before,” Montante said. “I truly feel like I am a part of a place that encourages learning, curiosity, and personal growth.”

Montante is looking forward to earning her degree this December and hopes to pursue a master’s degree at Northeastern.

“This experience has not only prepared me for the next chapter of my life but has also inspired me to continue learning and giving back to my community,” Montante said. “I feel proud to be a part of the Northeastern community and excited for what the future holds.”

Krishna Parikh  
B.S. Biology, Biomathematics minor

Parikh chose Northeastern because of its ability to offer hands-on research and a supportive community, including opportunities to work with faculty. 

“I love how approachable everyone is,” Parikh said. “Faculty and staff genuinely want students to succeed. I’ve had so many chances to learn in the lab, work alongside

classmates and contribute to the NEIU community.”

Bernard J. Brommel Distinguished Professor and Director of the Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics Living Learning Community Cindy Voisine, Ph.D., said Parikh’s contributions to the Department of Biology have been invaluable.

“Over the past two years, I have had the privilege of working with Krishna in the classroom and laboratory,” Dr. Voisine said. “With her outstanding research abilities, intellect and leadership qualities, she has served as a mentor to many other students at NEIU. Not only is Krishna an excellent researcher and student, but she also works to build community in the Biology department, serving as a Learning Assistant for many of our Biology courses. Krishna is an excellent role model and shows tremendous promise. I have no doubt that Krishna will continue to shine after she graduates from NEIU.”

Parikh is a McNair Scholar, part of the University Honors Program and a researcher with the Student Center for Science Engagement. Outside of Northeastern, she’s volunteered at the inpatient nursing unit at Lake Forest Hospital. After graduation, she plans to continue working toward a career in medicine and biomedical research. 

“I want to help patients while also studying diseases like ALS to find better treatments,” Parikh said. “I’m grateful for the people here who encouraged me and gave me opportunities I never imagined when I first arrived. Being part of this community has shaped who I am today.”

College of Business and Technology 

Roqia Alirezaei 
M.S. Computer Science

When Alirezaei came to Northeastern, she was transitioning from a difficult period in her life and looking to rebuild. As a mother of two, she worried how she would manage being a mom and a full-time student, even with the support of her spouse. 

“My loving husband, Naeem, and my wonderful children, Mobin and Donna, were my greatest supporters,” Alirezaei said. “They encouraged me, believed in me, and gave me strength during the most challenging moments. This achievement belongs to them just as much as it belongs to me.”

Alirezaei said the support she received from Northeastern — both in the classroom and outside of it — made her feel supported, understood and valued. 

“I felt like I belonged here, even when everything else in my life felt uncertain,” Alirezaei said. “NEIU became a place where I could grow, learn, and rebuild my confidence.” 

Director of Graduate Admissions Tim Sheahan said he was impressed by Alirezaei’s dedication to her education.

“Over the years, I have gotten to know Roqia well,” Sheahan said. “She participated in the School for the Advancement of English Language and Learning program before entering her graduate program. She has worked hard to earn her degree and to create a community at NEIU.” 

After graduation, Alirezaei hopes to become a software engineer and eventually become an AI engineer to create solutions that can help others, especially communities with limited resources.

“My path to graduation was not easy, but it was worth every step,” Alirezaei said. “I am proud of how far I’ve come and I am grateful to everyone who helped me along the way.”

Daniel L. Goodwin College of Education 

Xueijing “Jessie” Bai
B.A. Elementary Education, Bilingual Education minor

Bai came to Northeastern as a transfer student from Harry S. Truman College and Oakton Community College. She was introduced to Northeastern while she was studying at Truman College. Many of her classmates had been talking about transferring to Northeastern. After doing some of her own research, she understood why. 

“What I enjoy most about being a Northeastern student is the strong sense of support and care from the faculty and staff,” Bai said. “My professors, the Clinical Experiences and Student Teaching Office, and my academic advisor consistently encouraged me and helped me grow into a confident future educator. Professors were always well prepared and deeply cared for our success.” 

Professor and Elementary Education Program Coordinator Amina Chaudhri, Ph.D., said Bai is an exemplary Northeastern student because, no matter what challenges she’s faced, she’s met them and pushed herself to succeed.

“English is not Jessie’s first language, yet she went above and beyond to take courses and improve her proficiency in English so she can be a teacher and pursue an endorsement in bilingual education,” Dr. Chaudhri said. “She is one of the most dedicated students I have taught in years.”

Bai has been a recipient of the Daniel L. Goodwin Scholarship each year since she transferred. She said the scholarship provided her with much needed support to ease her financial responsibilities and focus more on her studies and professional goals. She has been completing her student teaching in a bilingual classroom in Barrington, Illinois. After graduation, she hopes to become a bilingual teacher in English and Mandarin. 

“I am deeply grateful for the education, mentorship and encouragement I have received at Northeastern Illinois University throughout my academic journey,” Bai said. “I am proud to represent Northeastern as a future educator.”

Nontraditional Degree Programs

Jerusalem L. Singleton
B.A. University Without Walls

Singleton transferred to Northeastern after studying at Harry S. Truman College and Kendall College, which is now part of National Louis University. He’s a musician (stage name Jervsalem), writer, filmmaker, poet, public speaker, AmeriCorps National Civilian Community Corps and Senior Corps alumni member, and this December, he plans to add another title to his name: first-generation college graduate. 

“As a nontraditional student, the University Without Walls program was the perfect fit for me,” Singleton said. He continued, “I love my professors! They taught me so much — not only about the subjects I studied but also about myself and why someone like me belongs in higher education. They validated me in ways I didn’t know I needed and held me to a higher standard.”

Singleton said that Professor of Women's, Gender and Sexuality Studies Laurie Fuller, Ph.D., was instrumental in his decision to attend Northeastern and complete his degree. 

“Jerusalem is an amazing student,” Dr. Fuller said. “Through University Without Walls, he designed his curriculum to focus on Creative Communications and Social Impact. As a singer/songwriter, podcaster and writer, Jerusalem honed his skills in Communication, Media and Theatre classes and made use of so many of the opportunities NEIU offers its students. I was lucky to work with him!”

While at Northeastern, Singleton completed one of his biggest goals: studying abroad. He was awarded the Gilman International Scholarship and spent the summer of 2025 in Angers, France, learning the French language, which is important to him as a Haitian American with French roots. After graduation, Singleton plans to apply for the Fulbright Scholarship to earn a master’s degree in music overseas.

“My goal is to be the change I want to see in the world,” Singleton said. “I see travel in my future, along with more music releases, public speaking engagements, writing for major publications, and activism that pushes the needle on issues close to my heart and the communities I belong to.” 

Singleton is already well on his way to making his mark. He was featured in the Evanston Roundtable as a musician in 2021 and as a poet 2025. At the heart of all his projects is one thing — acceptance. 

“It’s never too late to pursue your dreams,” Singleton said. “You’re not too small, too young or too old. It doesn’t matter where you live or what you’ve come from or through. Your dream deserves your effort, your love, your blood, sweat and tears — and I’m here to tell you that on the other side of it all, you’ll stand on the precipice of something more beautiful than you ever could have imagined. I encourage you, I accept you, and I welcome you to this wonderful table.”