We wish everyone a very happy & safe Memorial Day.

Esraa Aburass, 21, studies Finance, Sociology, & Middle Eastern at Saint Xavier. “It's my honor to receive the student Lincoln Laureate Award & to be recognized for my leadership & services that hold me tight to my community & to the betterment of humanity.”

Bailey Martin-Giacalone, 21, is studying Biological Sciences (Pre-Med) at #EIU. Being named a Lincoln Student Laureate tops the list of her greatest achievements. “It's truly humbling. I'm incredibly honored to represent Eastern Illinois University & the State of Illinois.”

Andrew James Kennedy, 22, is studying Biochemistry at Judson University. On being named a 2017 Lincoln Student Laureate he said, “It serves as confirmation of the value that hard work pays off and that I represent those who have invested in me while studying at Judson University."

2018 Laureate Emily Bear (MLE) of Rockford, IL, at 16, has achieved groundbreaking success as a pianist, composer & songwriter. Worldwide, symphonies have performed her original compositions & she has raised millions for charity. LAOIL2018.eventbrite.com

We are excited to host our 54th Annual Convocation & Investiture of Laureates at the Coronado Performing Arts Center, Rockford, IL. The theatre was owned by Willard N. Van Matre, Jr. & designed by Frederick J. Klein. It cost $1.5million to build. bit.ly/2EcN4iw #LAofIL54

2012 Student Laureate Ken Thomas graduated magna cum laude from University of Illinois Chicago with a BA in political science. In 2016, he earned a JD from UChicago Law School. He practices complex commercial litigation & corporate bankruptcy law at Skadden, Arps, Chicago.

We love that Western Illinois University is featuring all of its past Lincoln Academy of Illinois student laureates! wiu.edu/centennial_hon…

2017 student laureate recipient Keelah Z. Washington, 22, is studying at Southern Illinois University Edwardsville | SIUE. “I'm still in shock all this time after the ceremony but I'm beyond grateful or the opportunity and hope to live the Lincoln way for the remainder of my time in higher education institutions.”

Lincoln Academy of Illinois 2018 Laureate Richard M. (Dick) Butkus of Chicago, Illinois was drafted by the Chicago Bears of the National Football League in 1965 after a stellar career as a student athlete at the University of Illinois. Tickets available at LAOIL2018.eventbrite.com

The 54th Lincoln Academy of Illinois Annual Convocation Memorial Concert & Gala takes place at the Coronado Theatre, Rockford, IL May 5. If you are interested in sponsoring the event please contact [email protected] or visit thelincolnacademyofillinois.org

Know one of our Lincoln or Student Laureates? Have them get in touch with us to share what they've been up to on our social media pages! Call (217) 785-5030 or email [email protected].

2017 student laureate Himani Patel, 22, is studying Chemistry with a minor in Biochemistry at McKendree University. “I have lived around so many different cultures & I always seem to be a minority & not in my comfort zone. So this has pushed me to learn about the different cultures.”

2018 Laureate Steven Chen was a co-founder of YouTube. In 1999, Steve joined PayPal after studying Computer Science at University of Illinois. On his first day at PayPal, Steve met Chad Hurley, who would later become his YouTube co-founder. Tickets at: LAOIL2018.eventbrite.com #LAofIL54

The 54th Lincoln Academy of Illinois Annual Convocation Memorial Concert & Gala takes place at the Coronado Theatre in Rockford, IL May 5. If you'd like to sponsor the event please contact Julie Kellner at [email protected] or visit thelincolnacademyofillinois.org

Diana J. Rubi, 21, is a political science, international studies, & Spanish triple major at Monmouth College. She was honored to receive the student laureate award in 2017. “It was amazing to meet incredible scholars purposefully seeking to better the world through education.”

2017 student laureate Rachel Elaine Warren is studying Writing & Publishing with a minor in Mandarin at Benedictine Univ.. “Receiving this award is such an honor, and I am incredibly grateful to those who nominated me and accepted me for their constant encouragement and belief in me.”

Did you know Lincoln is the only president to have received a patent?* Lincoln invented a device that would lift boats over shallow waters in rivers. In 1849, while serving in Congress, he received a patent for the device, as seen here: americanhistory.si.edu/lincoln/lincol… *@WashingtonPost

Know one of our Lincoln or Student Laureates? Have them get in touch with us to share what they've been up to on our social media pages! Call (217) 785-5030 or e-mail [email protected].

Our offices will be closed on Monday for Memorial Day.