APRIL 2023
Every month, we bring you inspiring stories of our members being recognized for their exemplary leadership skills, and the headlines are in abundance this month.
Our mission is to Build Leaders Who Make a Better World. Our members participate in volunteer events and take part in a wide range of community service initiatives. Upon graduation, they apply the interpersonal skills they've acquired to start businesses, pursue promotions, and more.
Illinois Graduate and Secret Service Special Agent Profiled
Luke D. Lack, a graduate of Southern Illinois University Edwardsville (SIUE), was recently profiled by the local media for his service as a Secret Service special agent. He serves at headquarters in the Global Investigative Operations Center. After he received his undergraduate degree, he began his career in law enforcement as an officer for the Illinois Secretary of State Police.
Lack graduated from SIUE with a master’s in public administration in 2017. For his career success, he credits the soft skills he developed while he was a student. “I received a lot of extracurricular opportunities to develop leadership and organizational skills, specifically in The National Society of Leadership and Success.”
Read the full story at RiverBender.com >>
Alabama A&M Student Wins Big on Game Show
Tomia Gordon won $31,700 during her appearance on “Wheel of Fortune.” The big prize came during College Week Spring Break. Gordon competed against two other students from other colleges during her episode.
She grew up watching "Wheel of Fortune" and jumped at the opportunity to apply to be a contestant. She prepared by watching reruns and playing the game on her phone, and plans on using the winnings for tuition and donations to a nonprofit that her college supports.
Gordon attended Smiths Station High School through 2018, after serving as student vice president for two years and graduating in the top 10 percent of her class. She’s now a communications student at Alabama A&M University and plans to pursue a career as a news anchor.
Read the full story at HBCU GameDay >>
Competitive Swimmer Named an Academic All-American
Lisa Boernigen of NC’s Lenoir-Rhyne University has been named an Academic All-American by College Sports Communicators and secured her place on the Third Team. Swimming has not had its own award from the organization until this year. Previously, the sport was included in the “At Large” category along with tennis, rowing, wrestling, and lacrosse.
Boernigen has played in the NCAA Nationals four times and holds several team records, including 100m and 200m freestyle. She’s studying international business and management, and has been included on the president’s and dean’s lists numerous times.
Read the full story from Lenoir-Rhyne University >>
Returning Student Honored for Academic Excellence
Rowan-Cabarrus Community College (RCCC) named Terra Daisey as its 2023 Academic Excellence Award winner. This award is given by each of the 58 institutions in North Carolina’s community college system to a student demonstrating strong academic, leadership, and community service skills.
Daisey began her studies at RCCC when she was 39 years old and is pursuing a degree in healthcare management technology. She’s maintained a 4.0 GPA even while working full-time and being a single mother to her young daughter. She joins 13 other recipients of RCCC Student Excellence awards for the 2022-2023 academic year.
Read the full story at Independent Tribune >>
Valdosta Finance Major Recipient of President’s Award
Valdosta State University (VSU) named Jared Lee Collum the recipient of the Spring 2023 President’s Award for Academic Excellence for the Harley Langdale Jr. College of Business Administration.
He’ll receive a bachelor’s degree in finance with a minor in entrepreneurship at the university’s commencement ceremony on May 6, where he and the other five recipients of the award will be recognized.
While attending VSU as a Hope Scholar, Collum was the president of the Valdosta State Investment Group and an active member of the Collegiate Entrepreneurs’ Organization. After graduating, he plans to begin work as a client service associate at a financial advising firm.
Read the full story at The Moultrie Observer >>
Other NSLS Members Receiving Recognition IN APRIL:
Dr. John A. Gallien, a neuroscientist from the University of Texas at Tyler, was recently profiled for his postdoctoral work at the University of California San Francisco in the Department of Cell and Tissue Biology, and for his philanthropic work with Shriners Hospitals for Children and Toys for Tots. Full Story >>
Emma Bennett from Brookdale Community College will be transferring to Georgian Court University, joining the Lions as goalie for the women’s soccer team for the 2023 fall season. Full Story >>
Michael Malone and Katrina V. Willis from Madison Area Technical College are both running for student senate seats and were profiled in their student newspaper and website. Full Story >>
Logan Burke of Rogers State University attended a national leadership conference held in Washington, D.C. after participating in the Oklahoma Student Leadership’s state conference. Full Story >>
Christopher Hale from the University of North Georgia participated in a debate with two other candidates for SGA president and was profiled by the school’s student news organization. Full Story >>
Rebecca Brown and Lauryn Macy of Pittsburg State University have been named among the finalists for the annual Outstanding Senior Award, which considers achievements in academics, leadership, campus involvement, community service, and volunteer work. Full Story >>
Melissa Hockman from Maryville University of Saint Louis has been recognized by Marquis Who's Who for her work as a research associate, where she monitors clinical trials, especially in pharmaceuticals and medical devices for ophthalmology, neurology, and the cardiovascular system. Full Story >>
