When Jonathan Cooper was a Marine serving in Iraq in 2002, he witnessed people in genuine need, and it fostered his drive to make a difference.

“Seeing children with flies in their eyes — that was the switch that really made me get into humanitarianism, giving back,” said Cooper, who is studying political science and history at Governors State University in University Park. “It made me immediately think that as Americans we’re spoiled. … We don’t understand the plight of people who don’t have anything.”

Cooper grew up in Tennessee with parents and grandparents who instilled in him the importance of service to the community. It spurred him on to assume multiple leadership roles at Governors State and to run to become a trustee in Hazel Crest, where he lives.

It has also earned him recognition as GSU’s 2025 Student Laureate from the Lincoln Academy of Illinois. Each fall, an outstanding senior from each of the four-year degree-granting institutions of higher learning in Illinois is awarded the Abraham Lincoln Civic Engagement Award.

The award is given to graduating seniors for their leadership and service, as well as excellence in curricular and extracurricular activities.

His leadership roles at the school include being president of Student Veterans of America, president of SALUTE Veterans National Honor Society, and student veterans representative. He’s helping start a veterans’ peer mentorship program in the spring. He’s also president of Pi Sigma Alpha, the political science national honor society.

Cooper can often be found in the university’s cozy Veterans Resource Center, working on ideas for programs, such as the Veterans Day program the university hosted Nov. 12, or training faculty and staff on how to interact with and understand student veterans.

He came from a military family and served in the Marine Corps from 2002 to 2007, when he left and joined the Army, serving in Afghanistan from 2008-2009. He retired from military service in 2016,

Angelica Damiani, director of military programs at GSU, said she marvels at all Cooper does.

“I think he’s probably the busiest person I know,” said Damiani. “He does so much community engagement and so much for the community. Everything we do, he’s there supporting it, if not outright organizing it.”

Jonathan Cooper, of Hazel Crest, stands with his Lincoln Laureate certificate inside Governor State University’s Veterans Resource Center, where he is the school’s student veterans representative, among other roles. (Janice Neumann/Daily Southtown)

Cooper is plenty busy outside of school, too, as a member of VFW Post 8821 in Chicago, where he’s been a two-time district commander, a state assistant adjutant and legislative co-chairman.

“You’ve got to make a difference,” he said.

That difference extends to his twin 13-year-old daughters, who volunteer at a food pantry on campus. He also has two sons, who are 22 and 15.

He’s also on the volunteer board of Special Olympics Illinois.

He remembers his great grandfather telling him, “nobody owes you anything — you’ve got to work for it.”

“I don’t let any of that slow me down, I continue to move,” he said. “Once you start slowing down and feeling pity on yourself, you’re less likely to do what you’ve got to do.”

Cooper expects to graduate from GSU in the spring with dual degrees in political science and history but also minors in pre-law, criminal justice and global studies.

Jessica Specht, director of the Dual Degree Program and chapter adviser of Tau Sigma Honors Society, another campus organization to which Cooper belongs, nominated him for the Lincoln Laureate award, along with Konya Sledge, director of the Center for Student Engagement and Leadership.

“He is not just a member (of the honor society) but shows up for each commitment and inspires fellow students to join him,” said Specht. “He represents the history of Governors State as an adult student, veteran and local community member. I’m happy I have been able to get to know him during his time here, and can’t wait to see what he accomplishes next.”

Andrew Schott, who has taught Cooper in his Model Illinois Government course and two Model United Nations courses said he was impressed with his leadership ability.

“What stands out with Jonathan is his ability to rally students together, motivating them to participate fully,” said Schott. “I have witnessed Jonathon mentoring hesitant GSU students and also helping students from other colleges and universities get over their fears. Jonathan has a talent for putting others at ease”

He also said Cooper encourages students to be leaders.

“He inspires participation without trying — testament to his charisma,” Schott said.

Janice Neumann is a freelance reporter for the Daily Southtown. 

https://www.chicagotribune.com/2025/11/24/governors-state-university-lincoln-laureate/