 The breast star of the Order of Lincoln: theGreat Seal of Illinois circled by the Latin inscription,Palmam Qui Meruit Ferat (English: The one who has earned thepalm [it], bears the reward) | |
| Formation | December 2, 1964; 60 years ago (1964-12-02) |
|---|---|
| Founders | Michael Butler and GovernorOtto Kerner, Jr. |
| Type | Non-profit corporation |
| Purpose | Recognize contributions made by living Illinoisans |
| Headquarters | Springfield, Illinois |
Region served | Illinois |
President | Governor of Illinois |
Chancellor | Frank Clark |
Vice-Chancellor | The Honorable Ronald Dean Spears |
Executive Director | Leanne Barnhart |
| Website | thelincolnacademyofillinois |
The Lincoln Academy of Illinois is a not-for-profit, non-partisan organization dedicated to recognizing contributions made by living Illinoisans. Named forAbraham Lincoln, the Academy administers theOrder of Lincoln, the highest award given by theState of Illinois. Each year several persons are selected as Lincoln Laureates at a ceremony presided over by its president, theGovernor of Illinois. The organization also gives an annual Student Laureate award to one student from each four-year degree-granting institution of higher learning in Illinois, plus one student from the state'scommunity colleges.[1] As of 2025, almost 500 prominent Illinoisans have been awarded theOrder of Lincoln, since the award's creation in 1965.[2]
After visiting the Illinois exhibit at the1964 New York World's Fair, the then head of the state's Organization for Economic Development and a theater producer,Michael Butler, was inspired to start an organization to honor distinguished Illinoisans. Butler submitted a proposal to this effect to GovernorOtto Kerner, Jr. The Governor accepted the proposal and named Butler the first Chancellor of The Lincoln Academy of Illinois on December 2, 1964. The first convocation to honor Lincoln Laureates was held on February 12, 1965, at theChicago Historical Society. As of 2013[update] over 300 Illinoisans have received the award.[1]
The Academy began awarding Student Laureate awards to outstanding college students in 1975.[1]
The Academy is overseen by the President, who is the incumbentgovernor of Illinois. Five other officers are elected for four-year terms by 18 Regents, who act as the board of directors. The chief executive officer is deemed the Chancellor. The Vice-Chancellor performs the duties of the Chancellor in his/her absence. Administrative duties are carried out by the Executive Director, finances are handled by the Treasurer, and meeting minutes are taken by theSecretary.[3]
The 18 Regents are elected from among the Trustees. There are three types oftrustees: General Trustees, Academic Trustees, and Rectors. There are 60 General Trustees, appointed for six-year terms by the Academy President or Trustees. The Academic Trustees are the chief executives of degree-granting institutions in the state, plus the presidents of multi-campus four-year institutions and a representative of theIllinois Community College Board. The ten Rectors trustees, represent each of the ten categories in which the award is given.[3]
The Lincoln Academy elects several Laureates annually to the Order of Lincoln, the highest award given by the State of Illinois. The award is presented at a ceremony presided over by the President of the Academy (the Governor of Illinois). The ceremony rotates every three years betweenSpringfield, Chicago, and other areas of the state. Honorees are presented with the Badge of the Academy and a citation of reasons for their selection.[4]
Nominees are usually Illinoisans by birth or residence. Nominations are solicited from the Academy's Officers, Regents, and Rectors. Past Laureates and certain academics may also submit nominations. Candidates are nominated for their contributions to ten fields: agriculture; the arts and performing arts; business, industry and communications; education; government and law; labor; medicine and science; religion; social services; and sports.[5] Laureates are selected at a meeting of the Regents and Trustees.[4]
The Lincoln Academy also presents the Abraham Lincoln Civic Engagement award to one graduating senior from each four-year college or university in the state, as well as one student from a community college. Each student, nominated by his/her respective institution, is named a Student Laureate and receives the Lincoln Medal, a certificate of merit, and a civic engagement monetary award. Student Laureates are chosen by the chief executive officers of their respective institutions, who also serve as Academic Trustees of The Lincoln Academy of Illinois. Student Laureates are honored for their overall excellence in curricular and extracurricular activities. The ceremony is held in theOld State Capitol, and is followed by a luncheon with the Governor at theExecutive Mansion.[1]