Finding himself in unique places, representing NEIU and Chicago, all because of speaking to people and taking a genuine interest in what interests them, is what Gerald Chaney credits his wining the Student Laureate Award from the Lincoln Academy of Illinois. The award is given to outstanding students from 52 colleges and universities throughout the state for overall excellence in both curricular and extracurricular activities.
Chaney, an English/Secondary Education major is frequently off campus this semester doing his school observations. His service at NEIU still leaves an impression, from singing at President Sharon Hahs’ recent inauguration and conferences to being a Student Ambassador. Chaney’s in-school achievements have gotten him the Student Leadership Service Scholarship since 2005 and a McNair scholarship.
He comments on his singing as “the coolest thing for me,” having sung the National Anthem at U.S. Cellular Field, United Center and even Madison Square Garden. Chaney is still very humble about all the attention, taking the CTA to his appearances and doing schoolwork in his dressing room right until show time.
He also is a speaker for two important causes, adoption and breast cancer. Chaney, himself an adoptee is a speaker for the Ardyth & Gale Sayers Center for African American Adoption. Speaking about finding biological parents, himself having found his biological family last Thanksgiving, “It’s amazing where you can find yourself and where people invite you, just by saying ‘hello.'” Breast cancer, the other cause he speaks for also has a personal resonance. His mother is a survivor of breast cancer and he speaks on the perspective as a child of a breast cancer survivor. “What you can do, what kind of support to look for as a child of someone who is diagnosed with breast cancer, both mothers and fathers,” emphasizing that the disease strikes men and women.
He is down to earth about all his activities. “I just like to stay busy and if I stay busy, it’s [something] constructive.” His winning the prestigious award hasn’t changed his modest perspective but is a proud to represent NEIU. “I’m always proud to say I go to Northeastern Illinois University,” wanting to make clear where he comes from.