Lindsey Lieck of Rhinelander, Wis., received the 2016 Northern Michigan University Board of Trustees’ Outstanding Female Graduating Senior Award. She was a member of the NMU Honors Program and graduated magna cum laude with a degree in political science and a minor in environmental studies.

Student government was a significant part of Lieck’s experience at Northern. She started in house government in Spalding Hall, moved on to a representative position with Associated Students of Northern Michigan University (ASNMU) and then became the student body president her senior year.

Lieck held leadership positions in the student organizations Platform Personalities and Marquette Ending Hunger. She coordinated NMU Fights Hunger events and co-founded Cat Packs, a nonprofit program that provides weekend meals to needy K-12 students.  

Other activities she engaged in at NMU included the Student Leader Fellowship Program, Superior Edge, Special Events Committee and Transparency Committee. Lieck was the student representative on Academic Senate and the Academic Service Learning Advisory Board. She also played tenor sax and bassoon in four NMU band and orchestra ensembles.

"I am extremely honored to receive this award," Lieck said. "There are many hard-working and amazing students at Northern and it feels great to be one of the students recognized. I am very proud of what I have accomplished at NMU."

Lieck has accepted a position in Des Moines, Iowa. She will serve as a campaign organizer for Impact, a nonprofit organization that runs grassroots campaigns on issues related to global warming, childhood hunger and campaign finance.