Thank you so much to our many friends and supporters for showing an interest in the 56th Convocation and Investiture of Lincoln Laureates.

The safety and well-being of all Illinoisans during this COVID-19 pandemic is the top priority of the Academy’s President, Governor Pritzker, and all the State’s leaders. Due to the extraordinary circumstances we currently face, the April 18, 2020 Convocation weekend events are postponed, including the Friday evening reception and Saturday evening Convocation ceremony, reception, and dinner.

All of us at the Lincoln Academy look forward to recognizing the amazing achievements of the Class of 2020 Laureates in a fitting manner that highlights and acknowledges their many sacrifices and selflessness in pursuing a life that betters humanity. There is much to evaluate and take into consideration in the upcoming days and weeks; suffice it to say, all plans will include the Laureates receiving the Order of Lincoln.

We will be in further contact as alternate planning unfolds for the convocation events. In the meantime, please do not hesitate to contact Executive Director Julie Kellner at 217-785-5030 or JKellner@TheLincolnAcademyofIllinois.org.

Thank you so much for your understanding and patience during this very sensitive time.

Special Invitation to Student Laureates →

Leadership that Inspires and Transforms

Laureates

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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.

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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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The Lincoln Academy of Illinois

3 days ago

"The Lincoln Laureate Legacy emphasizes the importance of community service for the betterment of society. As an honored recipient of the Lincoln Laurent Award I will use the values of this award to guide my life.

Holding the legacy of this award with me, I hope to inspire others to build strong relationships and get involved in their communities. I also hope to continue to volunteer with my community and give back to organizations that helped me grow.

As I continue on my path, I plan to dedicate my time and use my STEM background to inspire young students. As a strong believer for educational equality I want to volunteer with nonprofit organizations that focus on bringing educational programs to underprivileged areas. As a student leader in my university I want to continue to serve my community and the organizations I am committed too.

I thank the Lincoln Academy of Illinois and Illinois Institute of Technology for giving me this honor and I hope to continue on this path of community service."

The Lincoln Academy of Illinois wants to thank and congratulate Student Laurent and Illinois Institute of Technology's Ayesha Anees. ... See MoreSee Less

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The Lincoln Academy of Illinois

5 days ago

"Lincoln's leadership legacy is an amazing representation of having the courage to make difficult choices. Just as in Lincoln's time, leading in today's dichotomizing American society is much more nuanced than many would like to admit.

The lessons that the leaders of today can apply from Lincoln's legacy are ones of grace, patience, integrity, perseverance, and an ability to listen in order to better understand, even in the face of great danger.

When taken to heart and enacted with our hands, these lessons allow us to respect the humanity and dignity of all people in our world, just as Lincoln so admirably made possible for many enslaved and oppressed people of color."

Greenville University's Josiah Mohr providing evoking words on President Lincoln. The Lincoln Academy of Illinois is honored by all of it's Student Laureates. ... See MoreSee Less

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Congratulations, Josiah!!! I've been to GU a couple of times this winter for my daughter's club volleyball tournaments. Nice campus!

Well said, proud of you Josiah! Thankful for Greenville University, Greenvillle IL.

Congratulations Josiah!

The Lincoln Academy of Illinois

6 days ago

"Knowledge is the primary resource and society's true wealth." - Peter Drucker ... See MoreSee Less

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The Order of Lincoln honors individuals whose contributions to the betterment of humanity have been accomplished in Illinois, or whose achievements have brought honor to the state because of their identity with it, whether by birth or residence. It is the state’s highest award for professional achievement and public service.

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.