Leadership that Inspires and Transforms
“…let us confidently hope that all will yet be well.”
-Abraham Lincoln
Come to Springfield, Illinois and visit the Abraham Lincoln Presidential Library and Museum.
INTRODUCTION OF the 56th and 57th CONVOCATIONS:
- The 56th Convocation will be on the ISU campus on May 29, 2021. This year’s recipients are: Scott Altman, Doug Collins, Robert Fraley, and Donald McHenry.
- The 57th Convocation will be in Chicago at the History Museum on November 6, 2021. The Laureates to be honored are Carol Ross Barney, Major General John Borling, John Andrew McQuowan, Dr. John Rogers, Tommy Shimoda, Dr. Joanne Smith, and Mavis Staples.
- Please consider joining us →
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 →
We offer our condolences to the family of James R. Thompson, the longest-serving governor of Illinois, Lincoln Laureate, and past President of The Lincoln Academy of Illinois.
Stanley Balzekas
We are sad to announce the passing passing of Stanley Balzekas, Jr., on June 18, 2020.
Stanley founded the Balzekas Museum of Lithuanian Culture. He was a long time member of The Lincoln Academy of Illinois, and a decorated World War II veteran.
Read more about Stanley’s storied life at
https://www.palosgaidasfh.com/obituary/stanley-balzekas-jr
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.
Mariah Dicksen, our 2019 Student Laureate from Western Illinois University, may just be the next Dr. Fauci.
Mariah told us, "Lincoln had a vision to create a country of equality, and I have a vision to create a disease-free world. Lincoln worked hard for his goals: he was self-educated and honest. He was not afraid of challenges and would lay out plans to surmount these obstacles. When faced with the issue of slavery, he promoted the 13th Amendment and kept the Union together to end the Civil War. I have a clear path towards my goal and no challenges will stop me. While I may not have a war in front of me, I have the emergence of mutating viruses, epidemics and outbreaks. To combat this, I will obtain a Doctorate in Microbiology and enter a career of disease and immunology research."
In addition to being named a Lincoln Student Laureate, Mariah was also the first female WIU student to receive the prestigious Barry Goldwater Scholarship.
Let's give a 👍 for our school teachers!
Today we honor Rachel Nesti, our 2019 Student Laureate from VanderCook College of Music. Rachel is currently an Art Teacher at Arthur Academy in Portland, Oregon.
Rachel believes as Lincoln stated, "The philosophy of the schoolroom in one generation will be the philosophy of government in the next."
Read Rachel's student statement in its entirety below:
Lincoln’s Leadership Legacy lays the groundwork to encourage civic engagement and change for years to come. As a future educator who is passionate about the field I am heading into, I realize that setting the foundation for a future of civic engagement and community involvement is crucial at an early age. Lincoln himself stated that “The philosophy of the schoolroom in one generation will be the philosophy of government in the next." The goal of the educational system should not only be to create productive members of society, but also to teach children that they can be the change they want to see in the world. The leadership experience I have accumulated throughout college has not only been for my benefit, but more importantly for the benefit of every life that I come in contact with throughout my career as an educator. This Leadership Legacy helps promote the idea that the greater good is a concept to constantly work towards. Another important aspect of education is exposing students to new circumstances and ideas. Bringing cultural awareness and experiences to students can make each and every child more empathetic and better suited to face the challenges that are set forth in today’s society. Preparing future generations at a young age for civic involvement will set the tone for how society will work as a whole in the future. Legacies such as this remind us that involving ourselves in our communities and focusing on the greater good are valuable qualities associated with leading a fulfilled life.
We're all so proud of you Rachel!!
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.