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2011 Laureate Acceptance Speeches

These are the acceptance speeches of the 2011 Laureates who were awarded the Order of Lincoln by The Lincoln Academy of Illinois at the 47th Convocation.

The Lincoln Academy of Illinois

2 days ago

Today's Student Laureate Spotlight is Jessica Hammel from Southern Illinois University Edwardsville.

Jessica, an aspiring nurse, talked in her student statement about the shared qualities President Lincoln and nurses possess - compassion, trustworthiness, and leadership.

With the current pandemic, we have seen the vital role nurses play in our healthcare system. We're excited to have a Lincoln Academy of Illinois Student Laureate join the nursing community.

Read Jessica full student statement below:

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Abraham Lincoln once said, “the best way to predict your future is to create it.” When I began my time at Southern Illinois University Edwardsville, I was focused on creating my own individual future by achieving academic success. Later, I realized that I had the potential to help shape the future of others through my contributions to the school of nursing and the community. I believe that one of the greatest privileges I have is to serve others. I am grateful to have been given opportunities to be a voice for my peers, while also encouraging them to take control of their own futures. I believe that we need strong leaders in today’s world that are able to motivate others so that they too can become creators of their own future. It is through vitality and compassion that people are able to transform their own lives and achieve their goals.

It is well known that Abraham Lincoln was an outstanding leader, but he was also a great listener, communicator, and friend. These are qualities that encompass the profession of nursing. Nurses are educators, advocators, counselors, and confidants. They are compassionate, trustworthy, and leaders of the healthcare world. There are many qualities that President Lincoln and nurses share, and I am hopeful that I will one day be able to impact the future of others as they have. From receiving this award, and learning more about the contributions Abraham Lincoln made to better this country, I am confident that I will be able to further my leadership and service activities even after my college career. ... See MoreSee Less

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Awesome!! What an amazing young lady!!

The Lincoln Academy of Illinois is with Allison McMinn.

1 week ago

Today's Student Laureate Spotlight is Allison McMinn from Southern Illinois University Carbondale. Allison points out in her student statement that many of Lincoln's notions still hold true today more than a century and a half later.

Read Allison's full statement below:

"Lincoln expressed the need for people to realize that their actions today would not only influence their current lives but impact the future as well. The quote, "The past is the cause of the present, and the present will be the cause of the future. All these are links in the endless chain stretching from the finite to the infinite" illustrates his vision for the future. I believe that investing in the advancement of scientific research is absolutely crucial for our future. Lincoln believed that this world was created on the premise of equality for all. In today's society, this includes expanding opportunities to minority groups, including women in S.T.E.M fields. As I continue my studies and career, I hope to follow in Lincoln's footsteps by creating a world that inspires equality for all, in every situation. Though his words are over 150 years old, Lincoln's legacy of doing the right thing instead of the easy thing inspires all who are committed to civic service and the greater good for all." ... See MoreSee Less

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The Lincoln Academy of Illinois

2 weeks ago

If you've driven through downtown Springfield lately, you may have noticed this banner hanging from the skywalk of the Abraham Lincoln Presidential Library & Museum.

It reads: "Let us confidently hope that all will yet be well."

We thought they were encouraging words to share during this very trying time. ... See MoreSee Less