Each fall, an outstanding senior from each of the four-year degree-granting institutions of higher learning in Illinois is awarded the Abraham Lincoln Civic Engagement Award and thereby becomes a Student Laureate of The Lincoln Academy of Illinois. In the spirit of Lincoln, Student Laureates are honored for their leadership and service in the pursuit of the betterment of humanity and for overall excellence in curricular and extracurricular activities.

Proceeds from the Annual Convocation Celebration are used toward the Student Laureate Program.

Since the program’s inception in 1975, over 2,000 students have been so honored.

Jefferson Street Bridge





Rockford Register Tower





Lake-Peterson House
Victorian Gothic Revival (1873)




Jane Addams, "mother" of social work
co-founder of the Hull House (1889),
leader in women's suffrage,
Progressive Era reformer,
Nobel Prize winner,
Rockford native

Please join us when we celebrate the Class of 2018 Lincoln Laureates in Rockford
on Saturday, May, 5, 2018. For more information, contact the Academy office.

"To honor individuals whose contributions to the betterment of humanity 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..."

THE LINCOLN ACADEMY

OF ILLINOIS

HONORS

GREAT ILLINOISANS

Click to view the gallery of the
2017 Convocation images

2018 Laureates Announced
2017 Laureate Donations
2016 Laureate Video
2016 Laureates Awarded
52nd Convocation Gallery
2016 Student Video
Student Laureate Experience

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The Lincoln Academy of Illinois

4 days ago

The Lincoln Academy of Illinois

Today is officially the First Day of Fall which is also known as The Fall Equinox. The Sun will be crossing the equator from north to south, illuminating the northern and southern hemispheres. Hence the term equinox, stemming from the Latin equi or "equal" and nox meaning "night". ... See MoreSee Less

Today is officially the First Day of Fall which is also known as The Fall Equinox. The Sun will be crossing the equator from north to south, illuminating the northern and southern hemispheres. Hence the term equinox, stemming from the Latin equi or equal and nox meaning night.
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Why We Are Here

Illinoisans make outstanding contributions to their local, national, and global communities. The Lincoln Academy of Illinois, a not-for-profit and nonpartisan organization, recognizes and honors these notable citizens to encourage an appreciation of Illinois’ rich history, and advance the precepts of exemplary citizenship. The Academy is governed by a Board of Regents and a membership of General Trustees.

What We Do

Each spring, at a ceremony that is held in different locations in the state, Illinoisans with notable achievements are inducted as Laureates into the Order of Lincoln, which is the state’s highest honor. Each fall, in the Old State Capitol, Student Laureates are inducted into the Order of Lincoln. In this way we recognize and honor greatness and support students. Students also receive the Abraham Lincoln Civic Engagement Certificate and monetary grant. The incumbent Governor of Illinois serves as President of The Lincoln Academy of Illinois, which administers the Order of Lincoln.

How We Do It

Since its inception in 1964, hundreds of outstanding Illinoisans have been honored. Their personal stories are all unique and inspiring, and some are even surprising. Individual and corporate Academy Members and Sponsors make it possible for The Lincoln Academy of Illinois to recognize and honor recipients. We salute their valuable contributions to society.

Associated Organizations

Abraham Lincoln Association (ALA)
University of Illinois Springfield Center for State Policy and Leadership

Abraham Lincoln Foundation (ALF)
Lincoln Heritage Museum (LHM)
Illinois Bicentennial
Rockford Chamber of Commerce

Rockford Historical Society
Greater Springfield Chamber of Commerce

Greater Springfield Chamber of Commerce Facebook page
Sangamon County Historical Society