Eric J. Lindsay, '80, Receives the F.R. Geigle Service Award
By Lia Kizilbash Gillet

Eric J. Lindsay, '80, is the 2024 F.R. Geigle Service Award recipient. (Photo provided by: Eric J. Lindsay)

Eric J. Lindsay, ’80, principal owner of Westside Insurance Agency, LLC, and proud NIU Black Alumni Council (BAC) member, not only protects his clients' assets but also champions safeguarding the future of Northern Illinois University.

Lindsay was first a member of the BAC in the late 1980s through the mid-1990s before re-engaging ten years later with the desire to assist students and to be a visible Black alumni supporter of his alma mater. His efforts have focused specifically on recruitment and retention, scholarship fundraising, CHANCE Program support, and alumni engagement through the Black Alumni Council Enrichment Proposal. Along with other BAC members, Lindsay provided feedback and suggestions to the Division of Academic Diversity, Equity and Inclusion, the Office of the President, and the NIU Foundation on how to leverage Black alumni relationships to accomplish common goals.

As a supporter of the Fanny Ruth Patterson Scholarship, which promotes the educational benefits that derive from a diverse student body and provides scholarship support for deserving students who embody the spirit of Fanny Ruth Patterson, Lindsay spearheaded campaign fundraising with more than 20 Black organizations that alumni had been members of while they were undergraduates. These organizations have raised over $67,000 total in the last three years, with the potential to raise even more by the end of the year.

Lindsay’s boundless dedication to service to NIU is why he is this year’s recipient of the F.R. Geigle Service Award from the NIU Alumni Association.

“I want our students to know their Black alumni support them, and when they graduate, they should support our students,” Lindsay said. “Founding member of the BAC, Howard Hill, has initiated recruiting alumni to mentor Black students in the different colleges. I support his efforts and encourage participation from our BAC members.”

Lindsay credits NIU and the CHANCE Program as helping him get through his freshman year and giving him a “chance” to experience an environment in which he could grow educationally, socially and politically. Some of his closest friends today are people who were in the CHANCE Program with Lindsay, including his wife, Sandretta.

Born in Chicago, Lindsay attended Catholic school beginning in first grade and graduated from Quigley North High School in 1976. He spent those years active in his church parish on Chicago’s West Side. Lindsay’s mother, Johnnie Mae, was active with the parish, and his father, Charles, often worked two jobs. 

“Both of my parents were volunteers in the community and at church, which is embedded in me,” Lindsay said.

Lindsay is a member of the Young Men’s Educational Network Board of Directors and a deacon at Progressive Baptist Church of Chicago where he also serves on its Parking Ministry. In addition to his volunteer service to NIU, he has supported the Neighborhood Housing Service as a board member, participated in Real Men Read to promote literacy in Chicago Public Schools, mentored high school males, and was a career day speaker at Manley High School.

Lindsay said NIU helped him learn how to network and work alongside other organizations and individuals, enhancing his foundational experiences from his community and church. Still, he reflects on his parents’ influence as the honoree of this award.

“Being recognized by my alma mater is humbling and unexpected,” he said. “I view it as a compliment to both of my parents, who I've tried to emulate when it comes to serving others. I feel honored and hope that it will motivate some of the recent graduates who I've met to get engaged with the university at some level.”

While at NIU, Lindsay worked at the campus assistance desk at Holmes Student Center for three years, serving parents, students, staff and administrators. He joined Kappa Alpha Psi Fraternity, lived in the fraternity house for two years and was chapter president. He was also vice president of the Black Student Union. He remains active as a member of the Evergreen Park Alumni Chapter of Kappa Alpha Psi Fraternity, where he has served in many leadership positions.

Before opening Westside Insurance Agency in 2015, Eric was the agency owner of Eric J. Lindsay Agency of American Family Insurance, which was in the North Lawndale neighborhood of Chicago for over 18 years. Prior to this, Lindsay worked as a foster care moderator and served as a youth director and basketball coach for a catholic school and parish on Chicago’s South Side. 

In 2021, Eric and Sandretta, along with their daughters, Jasmine and Erica, and granddaughter, Erin, started the Lindsay Italian Ice business, which specializes in pop-up events at festivals, schools and organizations. 

“I’m proud of opening my insurance agency in an underserved community where I had once lived and eventually moved back to,” said Lindsay. “NIU was also my home, and my most vivid memories of NIU are of a nurturing environment. I choose to give back to a place that not only served me but also gave me many opportunities to serve.”