Cassaundra Garcia, a marketing major at Northeastern Illinois University, has been named the university’s 2025 Lincoln Academy Student Laureate. The Lincoln Academy of Illinois annually recognizes one graduating senior from each four-year college and university in the state for excellence in academics and extracurricular activities.
Each Student Laureate receives an Abraham Lincoln Civic Engagement Award certificate signed by The Lincoln Academy Chancellor Todd Shapiro and Governor J.B. Pritzker, who serves as the President of the Lincoln Academy. Honorees are also given a Lincoln medallion, a challenge coin to remind them to inspire and transform communities with integrity 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. “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.”
Garcia has served as president of the Northeastern chapter of the Association of Latino Professionals for America (ALPFA) for two years and as Student Liaison for the NEIU Foundation Board. She participates in several university programs including the Honors Program (UHP), where she is president of its Student Advisory Board. Garcia is also involved as a peer mentor in various initiatives supporting student readiness and retention.
Director of Student Leadership Development Veronica Rodriguez encouraged Garcia early on to get involved in campus life. Initially limited by her commute home during her freshman and sophomore years, Garcia later received an Honors LLC housing scholarship allowing her to live on campus. This gave her more time to participate actively at Northeastern.
Professor Jon Hageman nominated Garcia for the award based on her academic achievements and service contributions. He highlighted that she co-presented research findings at the 2025 John S. Albazi Student Research and Creative Activities Symposium while maintaining involvement in student 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 will graduate in May 2026 and has secured employment as a Business Analyst at Deloitte after previously interning there.
“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 was recognized alongside other honorees at The Lincoln Academy’s annual convocation held October 18 at University of Illinois Chicago’s David Rubinstein Forum. She also served as student speaker at Northeastern’s December commencement ceremony.
“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.”
