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2019 Laureate Convocation Video

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The Lincoln Academy of Illinois
3 weeks ago
The Lincoln Academy of Illinois

Today the Lincoln Academy of Illinois celebrates MLK Jr. The four pillars on which the Lincoln Academy is built upon - Integrity, Courage, Honesty, and Empathy - are exemplified by Dr. King. ... See MoreSee Less

Today the Lincoln Academy of Illinois celebrates MLK Jr. The four pillars on which the Lincoln Academy is built upon - Integrity, Courage, Honesty, and Empathy - are exemplified by Dr. King.
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The Lincoln Academy of Illinois
3 weeks ago
The Lincoln Academy of Illinois

Our final Student Laureate Spotlight from the 2021 class is Laura Keenan from Augustana College - Illinois. Keenan graduated with degrees in Communication Studies and Graphic Design. She currently works as a marketing and creative strategist for Republic Companies in the Quad Cities.

During her time at Augustana, Keenan was the president of the Augustana Art Collective and ADs (Advertising Developers) where she led a team of ten students in the American Advertising Federation's National Student Advertising Competition. She also served on the Student Government Association board and was the winner of the Tredway Library Prize for First-Year Research.

In her Lincoln Legacy statement, Keenan writes:

"We often view great leaders as elite people who were born with special gifts and abilities that ordinary people like ourselves cannot attain. Or, we think they were really lucky in life and a great opportunity fell into their lap. Abraham Lincoln, however, reminds us that great leaders are simply ordinary people who wake up every day and choose to contribute to the greater good. They choose this, not for outside obligations, but because they desire within their hearts to do it. When we encounter a difficult situation, our decision-making should be guided by our inner desire to be compassionate, to consider everyone’s perspective, to stand up for what is right, and to share the truth, especially when it is difficult. It takes a great deal of courage to choose these principles. It is a daily, life-long commitment. But, Lincoln’s Leadership Legacy reminds us that leading from the heart—with courage, integrity, honesty, and empathy—is always possible, no matter the circumstances."

#StudentLaureate #AugustanaCollege ... See MoreSee Less

Our final Student Laureate Spotlight from the 2021 class is Laura Keenan from Augustana College - Illinois. Keenan graduated with degrees in Communication Studies and Graphic Design. She currently works as a marketing and creative strategist for Republic Companies in the Quad Cities. During her time at Augustana, Keenan was the president of the Augustana Art Collective and ADs (Advertising Developers) where she led a team of ten students in the American Advertising Federations National Student Advertising Competition. She also served on the Student Government Association board and was the winner of the Tredway Library Prize for First-Year Research. In her Lincoln Legacy statement, Keenan writes: We often view great leaders as elite people who were born with special gifts and abilities that ordinary people like ourselves cannot attain. Or, we think they were really lucky in life and a great opportunity fell into their lap. Abraham Lincoln, however, reminds us that great leaders are simply ordinary people who wake up every day and choose to contribute to the greater good. They choose this, not for outside obligations, but because they desire within their hearts to do it. When we encounter a difficult situation, our decision-making should be guided by our inner desire to be compassionate, to consider everyone’s perspective, to stand up for what is right, and to share the truth, especially when it is difficult. It takes a great deal of courage to choose these principles. It is a daily, life-long commitment. But, Lincoln’s Leadership Legacy reminds us that leading from the heart—with courage, integrity, honesty, and empathy—is always possible, no matter the circumstances. #StudentLaureate #AugustanaCollege
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The Lincoln Academy of Illinois
4 weeks ago
The Lincoln Academy of Illinois

Please congratulate Gavin Withaeger, our 2021 Student Laureate representative from Aurora University. Withaeger received his Bachelor of Science in Nursing and is currently a Cardiac Intensive Care RN at Advocate Aurora Health in Oak Lawn, Illinois.

In addition to being on the Aurora University Cross Country and Track and Field teams, he was also a Resident Assistant, a Spartan Ambassador, and served in leadership roles on the Student Government and the University's Men in Nursing organization.

In his Lincoln legacy statement, Withaeger wrote:

"Lincoln was well-known for his commitment to unite a nation ravaged by conflicting ideologies. Some would even describe his leadership as an act of heroism, but I believe Lincoln would never describe himself this way. Lincoln, a man of humble beginnings, had committed himself to a life of honesty and justice.

In accordance with Lincoln’s philosophies, I do not believe exceptional abilities are what make someone a hero; more so it is the actions we choose daily. It is the unwavering desire to do what is right, despite the potential for what unfavorable outcomes may follow. As a nurse and active member of my community, I have committed myself to the healing and protection of all people. I plan to advocate for social justice and defend the basic rights for the people of the world."

#StudentLaureate #AuroraUniversity #Nursing ... See MoreSee Less

Please congratulate Gavin Withaeger, our 2021 Student Laureate representative from Aurora University. Withaeger received his Bachelor of Science in Nursing and is currently a Cardiac Intensive Care RN at Advocate Aurora Health in Oak Lawn, Illinois. In addition to being on the Aurora University Cross Country and Track and Field teams, he was also a Resident Assistant, a Spartan Ambassador, and served in leadership roles on the Student Government and the Universitys Men in Nursing organization. In his Lincoln legacy statement, Withaeger wrote: Lincoln was well-known for his commitment to unite a nation ravaged by conflicting ideologies. Some would even describe his leadership as an act of heroism, but I believe Lincoln would never describe himself this way. Lincoln, a man of humble beginnings, had committed himself to a life of honesty and justice. In accordance with Lincoln’s philosophies, I do not believe exceptional abilities are what make someone a hero; more so it is the actions we choose daily. It is the unwavering desire to do what is right, despite the potential for what unfavorable outcomes may follow. As a nurse and active member of my community, I have committed myself to the healing and protection of all people. I plan to advocate for social justice and defend the basic rights for the people of the world. #StudentLaureate #AuroraUniversity #Nursing
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Very impressive! Congratulations Gavin!!!!!!

Congratulations!!!

👍👍👍😊❤️❤️

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