Amazing graduates cap an outstanding year at NIU

May 14, 2015

Last week, more than 2,800 students graduated from Northern Illinois University, and each and every one of them had an amazing story to tell.

“I find myself continually in awe of our students,” NIU President Doug Baker said at commencement excercises. “They are smart, hard working and talented. They are committed to service, to academic success, to their communities and to each other.”

To illustrate those points, Baker shared the stories of select students who embodied the Huskie Spirit and offered a glimpse into the talent and character of this year’s graduates. To celebrate the NIU Class of 2015, we offer an encore presentation of those profiles.

Natalie Cincotta

Natalie Cincotta

Natalie Cincotta

It is not an exaggeration to say that Natalie Cincotta traveled halfway around the world to study at NIU. Once on campus the native of Sydney, Australia, earned straight A’s in the University Honors Program; studied abroad and became an accomplished researcher with a promising career in academe ahead of her. Read more about Natalie…

Khan Cordice

Another shot of John in action.

Khan Cordice

Khan Cordice chose NIU for his graduate studies for one simple reason: to learn more about the steel pan from Liam Teague – a fellow musician who understands his students and their goals. Now, Khan adds to his lengthy list of accomplishments – which include numerous awards for his playing, and acting as a youth ambassador for his homeland of Antigua – the title of NIU alumnus. Read more about Khan…

 

Sandra Gonzalez

Sandra Gonzalez

Sandra Gonzalez

The transition from high school to college was not easy for Sandra Gonzalez. But once she hit her stride and immersed herself in the NIU culture of service, she took off. She served as president of the Spanish club, mentored Latino students and volunteered at a local citizenship organization. As her participation climbed, so did her grades, and she even spent a semester studying in Spain. Read more about Sandra.

John Hood

2-CBS

John Hood

 

John Hood’s life journey took him from Detroit to DeKalb, and on to Burma — all while in his 30s. Along the way he explored a passion ignited by a book he read in high school. He spent time studying in Burma, tutored Southeast Asian immigrants and is now planning to stick around NIU for graduate school. Read more about John,..

 

 

 

Warren Komis

Warren during his service on the Uss Iwo Jima.

Warren Komis (right)

Warren Komis served his country in the navy before enrolling at NIU. Once on campus, he wanted to pursue a degree in biology, but a class in public health convinced him that he could continue to protect and serve by pursuing a career in that field, honing and applying many of the skills he learned as a navy corpsman. Read more about Warren...

Neal McNeal

1-Neal_poster1

Neal McNeal

During his time working on his doctorate at NIU, Neal McNeal
earned a reputation as one of the world’s leading experts on prairie voles. If you don’t think that’s a big deal, then you don’t understand all that scientists can learn about human health
by studying how these creatures react to factors like mood and stress.
Read more about Neal…

11049446_10205477356591072_2398788625679139726_n

Lauren Morrison

Lauren Morrison

Lauren Morrison never worried about being a woman in the male-dominated field of engineering. Watching her mother work in the construction industry showed her that gender didn’t much matter. It is a lesson that she shared with hundreds of girls in grade school, middle school and high school during her time at NIU’s College of Engineering and Engineering Technology where she served as an ambassador to get girls interested in STEM careers. Read more about Lauren…

Dezirae Ninow

1-Dezirae

 

Dezirae Ninow became the first person in her family to graduate from college. She was also the first to graduate from high school. Making both of those accomplishments all the more remarkable is that, due to turmoil in her family, both of those things were accomplished almost completely on her own. Throughout all of that, teachers were her savior and inspiration. Now, with a degree in education, she hopes to inspire future generations of students. Read more about Dezirae…

Ashley Piasecki

Ashley Pieasecki

Ashley Pieasecki

 

Ashley Piasecki’s journey at NIU didn’t end up quite where she thought it would. She arrived four years ago as an art major. By the time she graduated, however, she had found a passion for marketing. Along the way, an internship helping artisans in Mexico sell there wares sparked an idea that she hopes will not only change her life, but also change how people buy art. Read more about Ashley…

Christian Villalobos

Speaking out on behalf of studens who ae undocumented citizens.

Christian Villalobos

Christian Villalobos overcame many obstacles, including a learning disability and language barriers, to get to college. When she arrived at NIU, finances nearly ended her dream of earning a degree. She dedicated herself to finding scholarships and jobs to pay the bills and went on to become a very active member of the campus community, especially working on behalf of other students who, like herself, are undocumented citizens. Read more about Christian…