From student body president to rising legal professional, Marco Lee ’21 has built a legacy defined by his perseverance and leadership. This year, Lee has been honored with Lindenwood University’s Young Alumni Award. The honor recognizes emerging talents who have outstanding promise for contributions to Lindenwood and the greater community.

Lee’s journey to Lindenwood is a story of persistence that guides his leadership today. Growing up in Indiana, he emerged as one of the top point guards in the state and began his college career at William Penn University. Lee’s path eventually led to Lindenwood Belleville after a friend recommended him to the University’s basketball coach.

At Lindenwood Belleville, Lee quickly distinguished himself as a student leader. He served as a student body vice president and vice president of the Black Student Union, earning the One Divine Heritage Award and Criminal Justice Student of the Month. When the Lindenwood Belleville campus closed, Lee transferred to Lindenwood’s St. Charles campus. In his first semester, Lee was elected student body president, the first Black student to hold the position in 47 years. His election drew the highest student engagement in the history of Lindenwood’s Student Government Association.

Referring to his role as “COVID president,” Lee helped guide the student body through its return to campus. He collaborated closely with University leadership, including President Dr. John R. Porter, to keep students engaged and safe during an unprecedented time. Lee describes monthly meetings with Dr. Porter as an experience that prepared him for professional success. “I had to be sharp, so that got me ready,” Lee said. “Going in once a month with Dr. Porter, I had to have something to report.” Lee remarks that his law school professors and peers were impressed with his comfort in the professional environment. He responded, “Lindenwood prepared me for this. Honestly, Lindenwood is tougher than law school.”

After graduating, Lee continued to rise. He became the youngest ever branch manager of First Mid Bank and Trust before choosing to pursue his long-term goal of becoming an attorney. He is now a student at Saint Louis University School of Law, where he serves as an American Bar Association representative, class representative, and student employee in the Office of Student Services. Beyond academics, Lee is a father to a seven-year-old son and credits fatherhood as a major source of motivation and purpose.

Lee’s commitment to people is at the heart of his success. Whether it’s family, peers, or community members, Lee believes in authentic relationships and leading with integrity. Lee’s advice to students: build genuine relationships. “I like to shake every hand and just be personable. We're in school to get an experience,” Lee says. “We can get the grades, but college is so much bigger than just sitting in the classroom getting an A plus.”