During her time at DePaul, Natashia Johannes has played ultimate frisbee, participated in the Actuarial Science Club and CHAARG and worked on campus in the Office of Student Involvement and the Driehaus College of Business. (Photo by Lavanya Chetal, DePaul University)Actuarial science major Natashia Johannes is driven by connection, both to her fellow students and the university. Now, Illinois Gov. JB Pritzker has honored her as DePaul’s 2025 Student Laureate.
The Lincoln Academy of Illinois recognizes an outstanding senior at every four-year Illinois institution with the Abraham Lincoln Civic Engagement Award. Student Laureates are honored for their leadership and service in the spirit of Lincoln, pursuing the betterment of society and academic excellence.
“Having the opportunity to connect with so many students, while working or in classes, seeing all of those different perspectives, has taught me so much,” Johannes says. “Being a support system for freshmen or incoming transfer students has been rewarding. I can share how people have helped me along the way and pass that knowledge forward.”
Whether she’s in a workout class in CHAARG, researching student success in the Driehaus College of Business or supporting student organizations in the Office of Student Involvement, Johannes aims to bring students together.
Supporting student organizations and faculty research
Johannes has been involved in student positions across the university, beginning with her role supporting student organizations in the Office of Student Involvement. She credits her supervisor, Cindy Morales, as someone who fosters opportunities for growth within her role and beyond.
“We've had a lot of discussions regarding how we can better serve the students at DePaul, and it's been great to voice my perspective as a student leader,” Johannes says. “It's amazing to be in a community where you're really heard and your voice is valued.”
The feeling is mutual. Morales recommended Johannes for a research role in the Driehaus College of Business and serves as a mentor for personal and professional growth.
“It has been such a gift as her supervisor to see her flourish,” says Morales, a student organizations coordinator. “She is incredibly intelligent, motivated and overall, a ray of sunshine. To hear that she is receiving this award does not come as a surprise, and I am incredibly proud and grateful to have been a part of her DePaul journey.”
Johannes supports Associate Dean of Undergraduate Programs Jaclyn Jensen on student-focused improvement initiatives, gathering feedback from business students on their college experience and identifying areas of improvement.
“I first connected with Jaclyn for the undergraduate and graduate business survey. I've been able to learn about handling real-world data. Presenting to faculty and staff helped me build my skills and confidence,” Johannes says.
Support beyond campus
Johannes has provided support to students throughout her time at DePaul and says the most important aspect of her college experience has been the connection with others. She says the process of applying for and receiving the award has brought unexpected reflection.
“As I wrote my personal statement, I looked at the Gettysburg Address and thought about the ways Lincoln's legacy fits into my career at DePaul and after graduation,” Johannes says. “I hadn't thought about the connection to Abraham Lincoln before, so it was eye-opening in a way I didn’t expect.”
Planning to graduate this coming spring, Johannes plans to work as a retirement actuary after leaving DePaul. Carrying Lincoln’s legacy of improving communities in Illinois and beyond, she aims to support businesses and other actuaries.
“I would love to help with mentoring or exam coaching for younger colleagues once I have a couple more years of experience,” Johannes says. “I really like working with people and would love to teach and guide young professionals.”