The Lincoln Academy of Illinois
The breast star of the Order of Lincoln: the Great Seal of Illinois circled by the Latin inscription, Palmam Qui Meruit Ferat (English: The one who has earned the palm [it], bears the reward)
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| Formation | December 2, 1964 |
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| Founder | Michael Butler and Otto Kerner, Jr. |
| Type | Non-profit corporation |
| Purpose | Recognize contributions made by living Illinoisans |
| Headquarters | Springfield, Illinois |
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Region served
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Illinois |
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President
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Governor Bruce Rauner |
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Chancellor
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William Bennett |
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Vice-Chancellor
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Dr. Stephanie Pace Marshall |
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Executive Director
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Julie A. Kellner |
The Lincoln Academy of Illinois is a not-for-profit and non-partisan organization dedicated to recognizing contributions made by living Illinoisans. The Academy administers the Order of Lincoln, the highest award given by the U.S. State of Illinois. Each year several people (known as Lincoln Laureates) are presented the award at a ceremony presided over by the Academy President, the Governor 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, as well as one student from the state's community colleges. Several prominent individuals have received the award.
After visiting the Illinois exhibit at the 1964 World's Fair in New York, theater producer Michael Butler was inspired to start an organization to honor distinguished Illinoisans. Butler, who was then head of the state's Organization for Economic Development, submitted a proposal to this effect to Governor Otto 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 the Chicago Historical Society. Since that time, over 300 Illinoisans have received the award.
The Academy began awarding Student Laureate awards to outstanding college students in 1975.
The Academy is overseen by the President, who is always the incumbent Governor of Illinois. All other officers are elected for four-year terms by a panel of 18 Regents, who act as the Board of Directors. The chief executive officer is known as the Chancellor. The Vice-Chancellor performs the duties of the Chancellor in his/her absence. Major administrative duties are carried out by the Executive Director. Finances are handled by a Treasurer, and meeting minutes are certified by a Secretary.
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