EUREKA – Lauren Schwanke of Eureka was selected as Eureka College’s recipient of the 2013 Lincoln Academy of Illinois Student Laureate Award. The award recognizes outstanding academic achievement, campus leadership and extracurricular activities among Illinois college and university seniors.

Schwanke will attend an awards ceremony at the Old State Capitol, Springfield, and a luncheon hosted by Gov. Pat Quinn in the Executive Mansion Nov. 2. She will receive a certificate, medallion and cash award from the Lincoln Academy. 

“Lauren has been a consistent and strong student leader throughout her career at Eureka,” said Eureka College President J. David Arnold. “She has made the most of her learning opportunities in the classroom and working with student organizations.” 

Schwanke is majoring in psychology. She is a Ronald W. Reagan Fellow, attending Eureka College on a four-year, full-tuition fellowship, which includes mentorships anywhere in the world. Her mentorships have been at ASSETS School, Honolulu, where she assisted children with psychological and behavioral challenges, and at Cheeverstown, Dublin, where she assisted individuals with intellectual disabilities. She also has participated in trips to Memphis, Tenn., and Brussels.

Schwanke is a resident advisor for upper-class students, a member of Campus Activities Board, a member of the women’s basketball and tennis teams and is employed in the college provost’s office. She formerly was an executive member of Up ‘til Dawn, a campus organization that raises funds for St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, a member of Student Senate and student body president.  She volunteers with Camp of Champions USA Christian camp and its Parent’s Night Out program to provide child care in a Christian setting. 

Schwanke is a daughter of Curt and Shellie Schwanke of Eureka. She is a 2010 graduate of Eureka High School.