Congratulations Graduates 2023

2023 Soar Graduate

Candice Allen

Candice Allen is a 2023 Northeast Lakeview College graduate earning her Associate of Arts degree with a focus in Political Science.  While at NLC, she was engaged inside and outside of the classroom and excelled academy.  With a 3.81 GPA, she completed the Honors Academy Program and was a member of the Phi Theta Kappa Honor Society, and the National Society for Leadership & Success.  Additionally, she participated in the NLC Pre-Law Society and the Black Student Union. 

Battling End Stage Renal failure, she gave up on her educational dreams 12 years ago.  On the anniversary of her 6th year on dialysis, Ms. Allen’s passion for returning to school was re-ignited.  She was unsure of how she would juggle a full course load and dialysis three times a week, but her faith and determination gave her the strength to make it work.  Just prior to the start of the Fall 2021 semester, she received a life-changing call that a match had been found. Instead of starting her journey in the classroom, she was prepped for surgery and began her semester in the ICU. 

Determined to make every day count, she pushed through her hardships to now reach the end of part of her educational journey.  After NLC, Candice will transfer to Texas A&M University to obtain a Bachelor’s Degree in Political Science.  Her ultimate goal is to become a lawyer and practice Corporate Law.

As the SOAR Graduate, Ms. Allen will deliver the Commencement speech and represent the Class of 2023.  Interested students apply for consideration and are reviewed and selected by a cross-college

committee of faculty and staff. SOAR represents Success, Opportunity, Achievement, and Responsibility. The student selected best represents these characteristics.

Distinguished Graduates

Susan Cassidy

2023 NLC Graduate, Associate of Arts

A non-traditional student, Susan will be in her late 50s as she crosses the stage at Commencement.  After raising two daughters and being the primary caregiver to her late mother, she returned to school in the hopes of expanding her business.  Susan is a member of the Phi Theta Kappa Honor Society and the National Society for Leadership & Success.  Engaged in the community, she is a local community garden volunteer and Alternate Member of the Converse Parks & Recreation Commission. “If you apply yourself and complete your goals, you can accomplish anything.  NLC provided the much-needed resources to help me succeed.” Her next step is to pursue a Bachelor’s Degree in Social Work.

Rebecka Hayes

2023 NLC Graduate, Associate of Arts

Rebecka began her journey at Northeast Lakeview College in the Fall of 2020.  She is a mother and a small business owner.  At NLC, her studies focused on criminal justice.  Her next step is to transfer to the University of Texas at San Antonio (UTSA) to pursue a Bachelor’s Degree in Child Psychology.  She enjoys painting, drawing, cooking, and traveling.  She hopes to see more of the world in years to come.

Cara Sullivan

2023 NLC Graduate, Associate of Arts

After completing NLC, Cara plans to pursue a Bachelor’s Degree in Management Information Systems, followed by a Master’s Degree in Data Analytics.  A student leader, Cara was the NLC Student Government Association President, Co-Chair of the NLC Student Service Fee Advisory Committee, Founder of EMerge Student Alliance, and Alamo Colleges District Student Trustee.  She was also a member of several honors and student groups, including Phi Theta Kappa Honor Society, National Society for Leadership & Success, ACCT Student Trustee Advisory Committee, and CCATT Engagement Committee (East Region), among others.  “My experiences as the ACD student trustee and NLC student government president have given me the honor of meeting many students and staff as well as learning about the vast array of educational resources and programs available through NLC. I have grown tremendously as a leader and a person.”