Samiha Syed

Samiha Syed is the first Illinoisian in history to be selected to receive the Order of Lincoln twice, a life-time achievement award. Named a Lincoln Laureate in 2020, the state's highest honor and lifetime achievement award which highlights individuals whose work has significantly impacted the betterment of humanity, she is a member of the prestigious Lincoln Academy, of which Governor Pritzker serves as President, Samiha has also been honored by the Phi Theta Kappa International Honors Society as one of the top 20 student leaders in the United States. Championing humanitarianism, Samiha has served as an elected member of the Board of Higher Education and served on the Illinois Board of Higher Ed (IBHE) Strategic Planning Committee, shaping the state's ten-year plan, "A Thriving Illinois." Her leadership extends to being the twice-elected President of Illinois Student Governments, President of Benedictine University Student Senate, Interfaith America Fellow, Benedictine University Women’s Leadership Program Fellow, President of twelve student organizations over the course of her undergraduate career, as well as, other public service involvements.