Julián Cano '23 is a three-time varsity letter winner for Lake Forest College; he earned two in track and one with the cross-country team. He earned Academic All-Midwest Conference in both sports during the three seasons he competed and was inducted into the Chi Alpha Sigma honors society for student-athletes. Cano also studied at Harold Washington College in the city of Chicago before transferring to Lake Forest.
Along with his success in track and cross country, Cano exemplified what it means to be a Forester student-athlete. He excelled in the classroom, earning his degree in business with a minor in communication while participating in a wide range of extracurricular activities. Cano was the founder and president of A Non-Traditional Approach; vice president of Pride Organization; senator with the student government; an executive board member Alpha Phi Omega and Chaplin Alpha Tau Omega; and a member of the Athletic Council and Juntos.
Cano received one of the highest honors for a college student in the State of Illinois when he was named a 2022 Student Lincoln Laureate by The Lincoln Academy of Illinois. Every 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 bestowed by the Governor of Illinois. In the spirit of Lincoln, Student Laureates are honored for their leadership and service in the pursuit of the betterment of humanity and for overall excellence in curricular and extracurricular activities.
Deemed to be one of the most outstanding contributors to the College community in his class, Cano was also awarded one of the 2023 Edward H. Oppenheimer Memorial Prize Awards during the Senior Honors Convocation in May. He was also selected at the class speaker for the senior class and gave a resounding speech during commencement.
Asked about the process for being selected as senior class speaker, Cano said, “Going through the process of submitting the commencement speech was a great way to reflect on my time here at the college. I was able to think about all the incredible experiences and opportunities it has afforded me. After I was selected as one of the four finalists, we presented our speeches to the selection committee. Professor Linda Horwitz worked with me on presenting my speech, and soon after, I found out I was selected to be the class speaker.
“I am going to miss the campus community the most. Seeing my friends regularly, meeting with professors in office hours, and competing at meets with my teammates,” he added when asked what he’s going to miss most about Lake Forest College.
“Julián embodies the ideal student athlete with exceptional passion for all things Lake Forest College,” said Pat Austin, head cross country and track coach. When not striving to be a better student, he’s often found enduring his passion for long distance running throughout Lake County. Coaching Julián has been thoroughly fulfilling considering the wealth of person bests he has achieved. He left his mark as a team leader and mentor through his wealth of experiences. He has certainly left Lake Forest College, the cross country team, and the track team better off than he found it. For that, we will always be grateful.”
“I am incredibly proud of Julian and all he has achieved during his time at the College. He truly exemplifies what it means to be a student-athlete, dedicating oneself to academic, co-curricular, as well as athletic pursuits,” said Director of Athletics Nicki Pieart. Our goal for every Forester is for them to have a transformative journey at the College and contribute to our Tradition of Excellence and Julian has certainly accomplished both.”
Cano is currently seeking employment in marketing, advertising, and public relations.