The Lincoln Laureate Award is presented to a deserving undergraduate student who demonstrates strong leadership aptitude, embodies the characteristics of Abraham Lincoln that made him someone who inspired and transformed the world for generations through: integrity, courage, honesty and empathy.  

A Student Laureate must also demonstrate exceptional attributes in leadership with an exhibited desire to make a difference in the world through civic engagement. In the spirit of Lincoln, Student Laureates are honored for their leadership and service on campus and beyond in the pursuit of the betterment of humanity, and for overall excellence in curricular and extracurricular activities.

The Lincoln Laureate Award is a State of Illinois award. Recipients joins attendees from higher education institutions across the state for an awards luncheon of the Governor’s Office. Finally, at Commencement, the National Louis recipient sits on stage with the Platform Party and is recognized during the program. 

Criteria for nomination:

• Outstanding academic excellence and scholastic achievement (including a GPA of 3.5 or above).
• Demonstration of leadership in extracurricular activities on campus or in the greater community.
• Be classified as a full-time Senior, graduating during the 2020-2021 academic year
• No pending disciplinary complaints

Application materials:

• Personal Statement — Please write a personal statement explaining how your experiences and achievements make you a candidate for Student Laureate. Include a brief biological sketch including work experience, involvement, awards received, and life situations which have shaped you. Please include your name, NLU student ID number, home campus and contact information (address, phone and email)
• Letter of Reference — A candidate must submit one written reference on his/her behalf. This letter should be written by someone who has personal knowledge of your academic and/or extracurricular experiences.
• Professional Resume

For more information please visit thelincolnacademyofillinois.org

Student Leadership Awards

The Student Leadership Awards is our annual leadership recognition event that takes place in June. It is a place where we honor our student leaders and student organization for their excellence in leadership  and service throughout the academic year.

We honor the following recipients:

• Lincoln Laureate Winner
• Golden Eagle Leaders 
• Student Organization of the Year 
• Student Leader of the Year
• Student Volunteer of the Year
• Student Employee of the Year

*participants that have completed the program.