The Lincoln Academy of Illinois, a not-for-profit and nonpartisan
organization, whose President is the Governor of the State, is governed by a Board of Regents and a membership of General Trustees. (Photo The Lincoln Academy)

This year’s outstanding college students in Illinois were honored by the Lincoln Academy of Illinois. during the annual Student Laureate Convocation on Saturday, Nov. 7 at the Old State Capitol in Springfield.

“Civic engagement, as exemplified by President Lincoln, is crucial to our democracy and the process of our government,” said Gov. Bruce Rauner. “The young men and women receiving this recognition today embody the spirit of President Lincoln through their hard work and dedication to their schools and communities.”

The Lincoln Academy’s Abraham Lincoln Civic Engagement Awards are presented for excellence in curricular and extracurricular activities to seniors from each of the state’s four-year, degree-granting colleges and universities, and one student from the community colleges in Illinois.

At the Student Laureate Convocation, each student received a Student Laureate Medallion, along with a $1,000 educational grant and a certificate of achievement. This is the 41st year Lincoln Academy has celebrated students’ excellence in Illinois.

Student Laureate Cynthia J. Avila of the University of Chicago spoke on behalf of all the Laureates. Dr. Stanley R. Liberty interim president of Bradley University delivered the invocation, and Eureka College President J. David Arnold delivered the benediction.

The Sangamon Woodwind Consort provided music, and a luncheon at the Abraham Lincoln Hotel ]followed the Student Laureate Convocation.

The Lincoln Academy, unique among the 50 states, was established more than 50 years ago to honor distinguished citizens with the state’s highest award, the Order of Lincoln.

The 52nd Annual Convocation and Investiture of Laureates of The Lincoln Academy of Illinois will take place Saturday, May 7, 2016 at the historic Marriott Pere Marquette Hotel in Peoria.

For a complete list of the student winners, go to http://www3.illinois.gov/PressReleases/ShowPressRelease.cfm?SubjectID=1&RecNum=13397.

— State’s top college students honored by Lincoln Academy —

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