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 →
UPCOMING2020 LAUREATE CONVOCATION
Saturday, April 18, 2020 in Normal 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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"From being homeless to witnessing my mother lose everything in a fire, I often found myself overwhelmed by chaos and uncertainty. It was during these unfortunate times that I would turn to East-West University as my sanctuary."
Our The Lincoln Academy of Illinois Student Laureates continue to inspire us to live life without taking it for granted. Take a look at these words from East-West University - Chicago's Stephany C. Starks.
"Making the choice to attend East-West University was, by far, the best decision I’ve made. This utopia serves as a safe haven, which allows me to discover and develop my skills and abilities while simultaneously encouraging me to pursue excellence in every aspect of my life.
From being homeless to witnessing my mother lose everything in a fire, I often found myself overwhelmed by chaos and uncertainty. It was during these unfortunate times that I would turn to East-West University as my sanctuary. From professors to counselors, I could always seek wise advice and guidance from anyone at the university.
As I reflect on my college experience, I become overwhelmed with a variety of emotions. Although I am slightly embarrassed that it took me five years to get to where I am today, this daunting feeling is immediately overshadowed by the excitement and glee that I incur, while pondering upon the endless opportunities available to me by obtaining a degree.
I’ve decided to dedicate my life to teaching. I want to teach, motivate and inspire others, the same way I was taught, inspired and motivated to change my life, by the staff at East-West University.
Receiving this award from the Lincoln Leadership Academy is an honor and I am extremely grateful for this opportunity. Not only has this moment has encouraged me even more, to pursue a career as a teacher, it will also serve as a constant reminder that through hard work and dedication, anything is possible. I can finally say that I am optimistic about embarking on the journey that lies ahead of me."
Way to go and way to lead, Stephany! I wish you continued success.
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.