Student Advisory Board (SAB)

President

Hello, my name is Anabelle Jimenez and I am this year’s president of the University Honors Program! I graduated from Lane Tech College Prep and I’m currently a sophomore. I’m a psychology major, but I’m also interested in studying something else — the world fascinates me! I’m not super firm on my career aspirations, but I know for sure I want to go to graduate school and continue learning and being a student.

My favorite snack is anything sweet!

Vice President of Events

Hi! I am a junior majoring in psychology here at NEIU. I plan to eventually become a licensed clinical psychologist so I can give therapy, conduct psychological assessment, and stay involved in research and academia. I joined the UHP because it provides many benefits such as exclusive scholarships, higher quality academic and professional advising, the right to list "Honors Scholar" on your CV, and advanced registration (which I love because I never have to panic about whether the classes I need to take for my major will fill up before I can register). But beyond these practical benefits, UHP also provides access to a community where you can make friends and network with other intelligent, motivated students, making college a more worthwhile experience.

I chose NEIU because of its small size. We have incredible opportunities like the McNair Scholars Program and University Honors Program (UHP). There are more resources and opportunities at gigantic state universities, but they are ironically harder to get because there are even more students competing for them. Even something as simple as a professor's office hours are harder to access when they have multiple courses with hundreds of students. That is not the case at our small school. Here at NEIU, you are not just another number.

Favorite snack: Lay's Sour Cream & Onion Potato Chips

Fun fact: I train mixed martial arts (MMA) and Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu (BJJ) as a hobby.

Vice President of Service

My name is Ardeshir, and I am the VP for Service on the Student Advisory Board in the University Honors Program. I am currently in my senior year, majoring in Biology with a minor in BioMathematics. My previous degree is a Master of Science in Aerospace Engineering from the Illinois Institute of Technology, focusing on Fluid Dynamics. My goal is to advance my education by attending medical school and earning an M.D. I chose NEIU for its affordable tuition, convenient location, and the benefits of small class sizes. Joining the University Honors Program has allowed me to connect with a community of driven students and further enhance my academic profile in preparation for medical school applications.

Favorite snack: Mango with chili and lime

Transfer Student Representative of SAB

Greetings! My name is Taylor Lovins. I am a Navy veteran and a first-generation college student. I’m currently a sophomore majoring in Cybersecurity. I recently transferred from Old Dominion University in Norfolk, Virginia. In the future, I aspire to combat cyber threats and contribute to a safer digital environment. Whether in cyberspace or the real world, the idea of ensuring the security of my nation has always resonated with me. I chose NEIU because I heard great things about the cybersecurity program, which aligns closely with my goals. Joining the UHP was an easy decision for me because I saw it as an excellent opportunity to enhance my education and gain valuable experiences beyond the standard degree requirements.

I am eager to contribute to the University community and connect with my classmates. I hope to see you around campus!

Favorite snack: Peanut butter crackers

Senior Representative of SAB

Hello, my name is Rodney Katushabe, a senior majoring in accounting and also this year's senior representative of SAB. I transferred to NEIU from McHenry County College with an associate of arts degree. I chose NEIU after visiting a couple of other universities. I really liked the student professor ratio here; I wasn't going to be another student lost in the sea of students. There is also a feeling that the faculty are enthusiastically invested in student success, even beyond the classroom into the career prospects and the job market. NEIU is also affordable compared to other universities in Illinois. My education goal is to eventually earn my master's in accounting and become a CPA. I currently volunteer with a nonprofit and also work part time in an accounting firm. Being a part of the SAB is my way of giving back to such an amazing and diverse community, I am excited to be a part of this year's cohort. 

Favorite snack: Doritos

Junior Representative of SAB 

Hello! My name is Andrea Almazan, I am this year's junior representative for the UHP Student Advisory Board and I am a Finance major. I am a first-generation Latina and I understand what it is like to navigate and acclimate to a new college world. I chose to attend NEIU for its welcoming, inclusive and diverse environment, along with affordable tuition. Another reason NEIU appealed to me is the quality education with a smaller professor-to-student ratio, where you are not just a number. I joined the University Honors Program (UHP) because it has also been an inclusive and welcoming environment from the very beginning. In high school I was a part of the International Baccalaureate (IB) program and participating in honors while in college made sense to me. I was up for a challenge seeking out academic growth.