When Joseph “J. C.” La Barbera learned he had been selected Northern Illinois University’s Lincoln Student Laureate, the first person he contacted was a previous recipient of the prestigious leadership award—his mother, Isabel La Barbera.
As Isabel Millard, she had been chosen as Lincoln student laureate in 1987 at Blackburn College, a small liberal arts college in Carlinville.
Although J. C. as a grade schooler had come across his mom’s laureate medallion, its memory had long since faded when he told his family, in the spring, that he was in the running for the honor.
“She had to remind me that she’d won it,” recalled J. C., a 2022 graduate of Timothy Christian High School in Elmhurst and now a senior mechatronics major in NIU’s College of Engineering and Engineering Technology (CEET). “From that point on, I kept her posted as the interview and selection process happened. It’s exciting and humbling to be able to share this common ground with her.”
It’s a familial connection unique in the 50-year history of the Lincoln Student Laureate awards, said Leanne Barnhart, Lincoln Academy executive director. Barnhart learned of the pioneering duo a few days before the induction ceremony when Isabel contacted her with an unexpected request.
“J. C.’s brother, David, wanted to drive in from his college in Pennsylvania to attend,” Isabel explained. “I asked if I could come as an alum rather than as a parent, to free up space so both David and my husband, John, could come.”
Barnhart’s reply: an enthusiastic “yes.” When Lincoln Academy Chancellor Todd Shapiro noted the double-generation distinction during the October 18 convocation at the University of Chicago, a collective “whoa!” swept through the audience.
At that event, each Student Laureate received the Abraham Lincoln Civic Engagement Award, a Lincoln medallion, a challenge coin and a $1,000 check from The Lincoln Academy.
Annually, over 50 students are recognized: one from each four-year college and university in Illinois and one student representing the state’s community colleges. Selected on the basis of demonstrated exemplary leadership and service as well as excellence in curricular and co-curricular programs, the award spotlights those who embody the leadership qualities exhibited by the man widely viewed as our country’s greatest president, Abraham Lincoln.
A `Culture of Building Up One Another’
A native of Berkeley, where his family still resides, J. C. said the “culture of building up one another” is what first attracted him to NIU. He also acknowledged feeling “shocked” upon learning he’d been chosen. “I knew there were so many strong candidates in the final pool of seven at NIU and I’m friends with a number of them,” he said. “I’m incredibly honored and thankful.”
Peter Lin, visiting professor in NIU’s mechatronics engineering program, nominated J. C. for the honor. In addition to noting the 20-year-old’s extensive service and leadership activity, Lin said the student’s “extraordinary academic talents were very visible early on, particularly in applying mechatronics and biology-inspired neural networks to solve complex motion control problems.”
Set to graduate in Spring 2026 with a bachelor’s degree in mechatronics engineering and a master’s degree in mechanical engineering in Spring 2027, J. C. is an Honors Fellow who helps advise fellow honors students.
His career plans center on designing medical devices, including prosthetics, pacemakers and surgical equipment. In the meantime, J. C.’s work has included undergraduate research in CEET’s mechatronics and bioplastics labs and working as an engineering intern at Swenson Spreader.
He is the president of the NIU Mars Rover Team and vice chair of the CEET Student Advisory Committee. He’s also a trumpet section leader for the Huskie Marching Band and president of NIU’s tenor-bass a cappella group, The Huskie Hunks. And he is president of the Kappa Nu chapter of Kappa Kappa Psi band service fraternity.
Isabel was likewise very active across a broad spectrum at Blackburn College, located some 50 miles south of Springfield. A psychology major, with minors in business and English, she was a peer group counselor, a student work manager, and involved in Student Life and Student Government.
At her Lincoln Student Laureate convocation, then-Illinois Gov. James Thompson emphasized in his remarks the importance that they continue to “emulate the spirit of President Lincoln” in their lives, she recalled.
“Hearing those words made me pause and consider the importance of what was happening. It was a humbling moment,” Isabel said. “Lincoln served in a difficult time of adversity and conflict, yet managed to navigate through with grace, perseverance and compassion. He was a servant leader, and I strive to be the same.”
Isabel went on to a 20-year career as an attorney. Then, 12 years ago, she shifted to work in the library field. She has worked at the Berkeley Public Library for over 10 years in various roles, and currently serves as its assistant director.
Now, thanks to her rekindled awareness of the Lincoln Academy, she plans to become more involved as an alum by attending future ceremonies to welcome the newest award winners. “It’s such a wonderful institution,” she said. “I would welcome a chance to more actively contribute to it.”
