Leadership that Inspires and Transforms
Excellence. Service. Honor.
The Lincoln Academy of Illinois partners with donors, members, and regents to advance the values exhibited in the life of Abraham Lincoln: Excellence, service, and honor.
We are committed to programs that:
- Honor distinguished Illinoisans’ contributions to society;
- Encourage public service; and
- Invest in developing principled leadership for the future.
We can all play a role in encouraging leadership in the spirit of Abraham Lincoln through the Lincoln Academy of Illinois.
Invest in leadership, in excellence, in the future of Illinois. Join us →
West Moines – Lowell L. Sneller, age 71, passed into the presence of his Savior on Thursday, February 13, 2020 at Mercy Medical Center in Des Moines.
Of Dutch heritage, Lowell was born in northwest Iowa and received a B.S. and Ph.D. from Iowa State University. He worked briefly in campus ministry, then earned an M.Div. from Gordon-Conwell Theological Seminary. For many years he served as a systems analyst for the State of Iowa.
His hobbies followed a studious bent: he explored learning how the mind worked and developed his own thinking system. He and his wife also launched a pro bono website, AbrahamLincolnOnline.org, which earned them the Order of Lincoln in 2009. In retirement he enjoyed meeting visitors to local historic sites as a tour guide and site interpreter.
He is survived by his wife, Rhoda of 46 years; brothers, Vernon (Pauline), Marvin (Peg) and Lynn (Denise); as well as many nieces and nephews. Lowell was preceded in death by his parents; an infant brother; and sister and brother-in-law, Arlene and Willie Roemmich.
No public services are planned at this time. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be given to Meals from the Heartland. Condolences may be expressed at HamiltonsFuneralHome.com.
Published in Des Moines Register from Feb. 15 to Feb. 16,
UPCOMING
2020 LAUREATE CONVOCATION
Normal, IL on the campus of Illinois State University
– Civic Committee Chairs Mrs. Marlene & President Larry Dietz
Read the 2020 announcement →
Frank Clark, Chancellor, and The Honorable Jay Robert “J.B.” Pritzker, President of The Lincoln Academy of Illinois
The Lincoln Academy of Illinois
MISSION STATEMENT
To honor individuals whose outstanding contributions to the betterment of mankind have been accomplished in or on behalf of the State of Illinois, or whose achievements have brought honor to the State because of their identity with it, whether by birth or residence, or by their dedication to those principles of democracy and humanity as exemplified by the great Illinoisan whose name we bear. These individuals, reflective of the diverse populace of the State of Illinois, are named Laureates of the Academy and receive the “Order of Lincoln,” the State of Illinois’ highest award, at an annual Convocation.
To honor one outstanding senior from each of the four year not-for-profit degree granting institutions and one outstanding senior from among all of the community college students who, in the spirit of Abraham Lincoln, demonstrated leadership and service in his or her campus or community and excellence in curricular and co-curricular programs, to be named Student Laureates and receive the Abraham Lincoln Civic Engagement Award and the Lincoln Medallion.
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Today's 2019 Student Laureate Spotlight is Jessica Gonzalez from Robert Morris University - Illinois. Jessica aspires to be an emergency medicine doctor.
"It is an honor to be the Student Laureate of the Lincoln Academy of Illinois representing Robert Morris University Illinois. I know for a fact Lincoln’s leadership legacy will be a guide in my commitment to the greater good. My motivation to eventually become an emergency medicine doctor comes from the drive to help others and serve a purpose in my communities. The essence of Lincoln’s leadership legacy will be a guide in directing a civic-minded life of service and commitment to the greater good. It has been instilled in me to always help those who cannot help themselves or that need a helping hand. As humans, we should care for one another, the environment, animals, and the world we live in. The essence of Lincoln’s leadership legacy in itself is an encouragement to continue to live up to this honor. Knowing that many great leaders and philanthropists have been given this honor is an inspiration and I hope to have a positive impact on those around me and the communities I serve."
Our current political climate is very divisive, but Quincy University's 2019 Student Laureate - Mary Argana - reminds us how Lincoln welcomed contrasting perspectives and saw the value in civil discourse.
"President Lincoln surrounded himself with his adversaries. He intentionally selected each cabinet member for their contrasting perspective and willingness to argue. Lincoln not only accepted, but embraced the opportunity for others to change his mind. He had the humility to accept criticism, and gave respect to all who challenged his decisions. During his two terms as President, the United States was in a vulnerable state. Lincoln recognized the gravity of every decision he would make during the Civil War. He understood surrounding himself with advisors who merely reflected his own opinions would not save his country.
Through this example, Lincoln demonstrated the essential value of civil discourse. There is an inherent value in allowing one’s ideas to be challenged. As John Stewart Mill said in his composition On Liberty: "The steady habit of correcting and completing his own opinion by collating it with those of others, so far from causing doubt and hesitation in carrying it into practice, is the only stable foundation for a just reliance on it”. President Lincoln exemplified this notion by inviting challenge, rather than rejecting it. He prevented a polarized nation from disintegration. His success was derived from his ability to collaborate with those who opposed his views.
President Lincoln’s legacy is an example to all those who serve in the public sector. Regardless of political affiliation, religion, race, gender; there is value to allowing one's ideas to be challenged. In a polarized society, it is crucial that the United States’ civic leaders embody President Lincoln’s humility and embrace the opportunity to seek truth through another’s eyes."
Happy Independence Day, everyone!
"I like to see a man proud of the place in which he lives. I like to see a man live so that his place will be proud of him." - Abraham Lincoln
Funds raised at the Academy’s Order of Lincoln Convocation help provide the Abraham Lincoln Civic Engagement awards and the ‘Lincoln Medallion’ which will be presented by the Academy’s President to each of 57 Student Laureates at a separate ceremony held in Springfield later this year.
Thus, the Lincoln Academy honors the Great Citizens of Today and Celebrates the Great Citizens of Tomorrow — knowing that now, as always, our state and nation need what Vachel Lindsay called ‘Lincoln-hearted’ men and women.
Mr. Lincoln would be proud.