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 McQuown, 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 →
News
Leading Lincoln Historian, Wayne C. Temple
Lincoln Scholar Jonathon White
Congratulations to Laureate Mellody Hobson, named to Chair Starbucks Board
Illinois Tech President Alan Cramb to retire in 2021
November 2020 Hall of Fame Inductees
Class of 2020 Student Laureates Press Release
Lincoln Topiary Statue, Western Illinois University
Harold Holzer, Speaks on ALPL Foundation
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.
The State Journal-Register did a wonderful write-up on 2009 Lincoln Laureate, Wayne C. Temple.
Wayne, at 96 years young, is regarded as the leading Lincoln historian in the world.
At age 96, Lincoln scholar Temple still writing and providing a guiding hand
www.sj-r.com
Wayne Temple, one of the leading Lincoln historians in the world, is still publishing at age 96. He's also a mentor to a bevy of other writers.Timeline PhotosON THIS DAY: In 1863, President Abraham Lincoln issued the Emancipation Proclamation, declaring that slaves in rebel states shall be “forever free.” abcn.ws/3hwoYV0
With only hours left before we enter 2021 and say "good riddance" to 2020, we asked this year's Student Laureates for their new year's resolutions. Below are their responses.
What's your new year's resolution for 2021?
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.