University News

Lauren Armstead, of Auburn, IL, pictured left, has been named the WIU recipient of the Lincoln Academy of Illinois Student Laureate Award for 2012-2013. She is pictured with WIU History Professor Ginny Boynton.
[Download Print-Quality Image]

WIU's Armstead Named 2012 Lincoln Laureate

December 3, 2012

Share |
Printer friendly version

MACOMB, IL – Lauren Armstead, of Auburn, IL, has been named the Western Illinois University recipient of the Lincoln Academy of Illinois Student Laureate Award for 2012-2013. The award, presented annually to an outstanding senior of each of Illinois' four-year degree-granting institutions, honors a student's overall academic excellence and extracurricular activities.

Armstead is a senior history major and is pursuing her teaching certification. She would like to pursue a job teaching social studies after she graduates in December.

"I was very honored to receive the Lincoln Laureate award, especially being a scholar of history and a Lincoln lover," Armstead said. "This honor means a great deal to me because I will become a first- generation college graduate in my family. I want to pursue a career in teaching and being awarded the Lincoln Laureate has shown me that pursuing that need for knowledge is important to continue not only in the classroom, but also for the rest of your life."

The new Lincoln Laureate is a member of Phi Alpha Theta, Kappa Delta Pi, Phi Kappa Phi and the Associated Students of History. Armstead was also awarded the WIU Department of History's Larry T. Balsamo History Teacher Education Scholarship.

Armstead said she chose WIU for her education because of its "outstanding education and history departments."

"I also chose Western because of the hometown feel," she said. "Living in Macomb and going to college at Western has given me so many opportunities to grow as a young adult. I will miss Western and Macomb when I graduate, but I will leave knowing that I earned the best education and learned many valuable life experiences for when I venture into my career."

Armstead is the daughter of Richard and Susan Armstead, of Auburn, IL.

Posted By: University Communications (U-Communications@wiu.edu)
Office of University Communications & Marketing