Illinois State University’s Maureen Christensen of Normal has been named a Student Laureate of the Lincoln Academy of Illinois by Governor Bruce Rauner. The Academy recognized students November 7 at the Old State Capitol in Springfield.
Dean of Students Art Munin and Student Laureate Maureen Christensen
“Civic engagement, as exemplified by President Lincoln, is crucial to our democracy and the process of our government,” said Gov. Rauner. “The young men and women receiving this recognition today embody the spirit of President Lincoln through their hard work and dedication to their schools and communities.”
Christensen is an honors student, double majoring in marketing and broadcast journalism. A senior at Illinois State University, she currently holds a 3.93 cumulative grade point average and was recently named a Robert G. Bone Scholar—the most prestigious university-wide honor bestowed to undergraduate students. Christensen has pursued a unique combination of honors coursework, immersive travel opportunities, and authentic learning experiences through her involvement in the Honors Program. She has been honored by Illinois State’s School of Communication with a Talent Grant, a Caterpillar Scholarship, and the Vicky Lynn Kelley Endowed Scholarship, all in recognition of her leadership skills and demonstrated talents within the field of communication.
Throughout her time at Illinois State, Christensen has also demonstrated a consistent and passionate pursuit of civic engagement. She has been an active and influential leader within the Student Government Association for six consecutive semesters. Her commitment to shared governance has expanded beyond campus and into the community through her position as the Human Relations Commissioner for the Town of Normal.
Christensen has attained all pillars of the ISU Leads Certification Program, which includes leadership, civic engagement, and global perspectives, and has taken part in the University’s Alternative Spring Break Program.
The Lincoln Academy’s Abraham Lincoln Civic Engagement Awards are presented for excellence in curricular and extracurricular activities to seniors from each of the state’s four-year, degree-granting colleges and universities, and one student from the community colleges in Illinois.
At the Student Laureate Convocation, each student received a Student Laureate Medallion, along with a $1,000 educational grant and a certificate of achievement. This is the 41st year Lincoln Academy has celebrated students’ excellence in Illinois.
