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, using what they have learned to Build Leaders Who Make a Better World.
Check out the headlines made by NSLS members who used their leadership skills to level up in their careers, earn outstanding academic honors, and help make a positive impact on their communities this month.
NSLS SMART Goal Inspires Legislative Change
Anna Williams, Northern Illinois University (NIU), has transformed a personal challenge into statewide reform with the passage of “Anna’s Law.” The bill, recently approved by Illinois lawmakers, mandates trauma-informed training for police officers handling sexual assault cases, ensuring victims receive compassionate and supportive treatment.
Williams first conceived of the project as part of a SMART goal during her NSLS Foundations of Leadership program. What began as a classroom initiative grew into a movement, gaining the attention of legislators.
Her journey exemplifies how one student’s determination, resilience, and leadership can create lasting societal impact, turning academic learning into meaningful advocacy that will affect communities across Illinois.
Read More at Capitol News Illinois >>
Student Leader Earns Distinguished Service Award for Campus Impact
Nicholas Young, Southern Illinois University Edwardsville (SIUE), has been named a recipient of the 2025 SIU Distinguished Student Service Award, one of the highest honors presented by the SIU System’s Board of Trustees. The award recognizes students whose leadership and service efforts demonstrate an exceptional commitment to advancing their peers, their campus, and their communities.
Young, a psychology major, has been a driving force across multiple student leadership roles. He has served as senator for the School of Education, Health, and Human Behavior in SIUE’s Student Government, vice chair of programming for the Finance Board, and president of the Psychology Club.
Beyond campus leadership, Young played a pivotal role in securing grants to foster diversity and inclusion, published work in SIUE’s River Bluff Review, and advocated for higher education funding at the state level. His future goals include pursuing advanced degrees in clinical psychology and becoming both a practitioner and educator in the field.
Read More from RiverBender.com >>
NSLS Alum Inducted into Education Hall of Excellence
Kurt C. Schuett, Concordia University Chicago, has been recognized for his decades-long contributions to education and athletics with induction into the Culver-Stockton College Education Hall of Excellence. A summa cum laude graduate of Culver-Stockton, Schuett has built a distinguished career as both a teacher and coach, inspiring countless students in and beyond the classroom.
Since 2000, he has taught English at East Leyden High School, where he also leads AP Research courses and coaches varsity softball. Under his leadership, Leyden’s softball program has achieved state and national recognition, with more than 60 of his players advancing to collegiate-level competition. Schuett himself was named Illinois Coaches Association Softball Coach of the Year in 2024.
In addition to his work as an educator, Schuett is an accomplished author and poet, with publications ranging from fiction and poetry to academic research. His recent book, Beyond Digital Distraction: Educating Today’s Cyber Student (2024), underscores his dedication to helping students thrive in an increasingly digital world.
Read More from Muddy River News >>
Student Selected to Represent Peers on College Board as Trustee
Diego Gonzalez Zabala, UCNJ Union College of Union County, NJ, has been elected to serve as student trustee on the college’s Board of Trustees, providing a student voice in key institutional decisions.
A business administration student with a passion for leadership, Gonzalez Zabala also serves as president of the Business Club, marketing and PR chair for Latinos Unidos, and a student worker in the Student Services Department.
His long-term goals include pursuing a bachelor’s degree in business administration with a minor in data science. His appointment as trustee reflects his growing reputation as a dedicated student leader and advocate for his peers.
Accounting Student Recognized as Extraordinary Leader
Sierra Wilder, High Point University (HPU), has been honored as one of the university’s 2025 Extraordinary Leaders, a recognition reserved for students who excel academically while making a meaningful impact in their communities.
An accounting major with a minor in economics, Wilder has maintained Dean’s List status every semester while serving in high-level leadership roles. She is the president of both the Black Student Union and the National Association of Black Accountants, and serves on the Phillips School of Business Student Advisory Board.
Her leadership extends into service, including organizing fundraising initiatives, supporting income tax preparation for the elderly, and helping coordinate major campus events. With her involvement in numerous organizations, Wilder exemplifies HPU’s values of scholarship, service, and leadership.
Read More from High Point University >>
Other NSLS Members Receiving Recognition this month:
Marijke Ypma, Central New Mexico Community College, was spotlighted for her commitment to early childhood education. After earning certificates in both Child Development and American Sign Language within her first year, she is on track to complete dual associate degrees by 2026 and aspires to pursue a Ph.D. to help create equity in education. Full Story >>
Grace Mueller, Valley City State University, earned the Viking Pilot Award, a prestigious honor recognizing campus leaders for outstanding contributions. A graduating English major, Mueller has been president of both the English and Spanish Clubs and has held multiple mentoring and leadership roles on campus. Full Story >>
Aubrey Hebenstreit, University of Illinois Springfield, was recognized as a transfer student nominee for the All-Illinois Community College Academic Team. A former student government treasurer, she now serves as president of her university’s NSLS chapter. Full Story >>
Arthur Fumarola, Brookdale Community College, was named a finalist for the highly competitive Jack Kent Cooke Foundation Undergraduate Transfer Scholarship, which provides up to $55,000 annually. An active NSLS member, Fumarola also interns with NASA and conducts research on how solar eclipses affect radio wave transmission. Full Story >>
Lisa Patterson, University of South Florida, returned to higher education after more than two decades, balancing coursework with raising four children. She earned her associate degree and is now pursuing her MBA with the goal of becoming a hospital administrator. Full Story >>
Amber Murray, La Salle University, overcame a breast cancer diagnosis during her senior year to continue her nursing studies. Despite treatment and surgery, she remained engaged in her coursework and student organizations, earning recognition for her resilience and dedication. Full Story >>
Madison Margaret Shevlin, Brookdale Community College, was awarded three scholarships to study abroad in Ireland and Amsterdam. A full-time psychology student, artist, and tattoo studio owner, she has also overcome serious injuries from a car accident, returning to school with a renewed sense of purpose. Full Story >>
