Tag: Lincoln Laureate

USF News

Diana Ortega Named USF’s Lincoln Academy of Illinois Student Laureate

Diana Ortega

Joliet, Ill. – The University of St. Francis (USF) is pleased to announce that senior education major Diana Ortega from Joliet has been selected as this year’s Student Laureate of The Lincoln Academy of Illinois. Through this special program, the Lincoln Academy of Illinois honors Student Laureates from each of the participating Illinois colleges and universities for their leadership and service in the pursuit of the betterment of humanity and for overall excellence in curricular and extracurricular activities.

This year’s honorees were invited to watch an online program that included a congratulatory statement from Illinois Governor J.B. Pritzker and words of encouragement from past Lincoln Laureates. Honorees also received a letter of congratulations from the Academy, a certificate signed by Governor Pritzker, a medallion, a challenge coin, and a monetary grant.

Ortega, who was nominated for the honor by USF history professor Cathleen Schultz, Ph.D., the USF history department, and USF dean of student life Mollie Rockafellow, Ed.D., was surprised to learn that she was selected as this year’s honoree from USF.

“I was shocked. When I was told, I thought I was coming in to help with a project but soon found out that I was called in to be told that I was this year’s Lincoln Laureate,” said Ortega.

“I was so happy. I immediately called my dad (Pedro) and he was so happy and so proud. And as my friends and other USF staff members heard the news, they we so happy for me, as well,” she added.

While leadership and service at USF have been laced throughout her college experience, these characteristics for which Ortega is known extend beyond the past four years. She was also an active student during her time at Joliet West High School, where she participated in Student Council, class committees, choir, new student mentoring, and was a member of the National Honor Society.

However, even with that level of leadership and service through high school, Ortega originally planned to attend a large university where it would be easy to be “just another student”.

“I really thought that I would end up at a large school in a big city like Chicago. I didn’t like attention and wanted to be independent,” Ortega said.

All that changed, though, when she toured USF.

“I wasn’t planning on checking out USF because I wanted to get away from where I had grown up. Still, I decided to visit USF and ended up completely falling in love with it. The atmosphere was amazing and everyone was just so welcoming and friendly. It felt right from the first day that I set foot on campus,” she said.

Since then, Ortega created a path for herself at USF that was similar to her high school experience. During her time at USF, she has been active in many capacities at USF, including roles as a resident assistant supervisor and a Saints Ambassador. She is also active with the USF Student Government Association and is a Schmitt Scholar.

With graduation only six months away, Ortega offered advice for next fall’s freshman class at USF.

“Make your USF experience what you want it to be. Go to club meetings, reach out to people, and look at on-campus work opportunities. I go back to the motto I follow: you won’t know until you try. When you are willing to put yourself out there, you’ll be amazed at what you might find,” Ortega said.

Following her graduation in the spring, Ortega plans to stay at USF for one more year to earn a master’s degree in education through a 4+1 program offered through the university. During that time, she will also complete her student teaching. After earning her master’s degree, she plans to work for a low-income school district as a high school history teacher or middle school science teacher for five years as part of her academic scholarship through Golden Apple.

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The University of St. Francis, in Joliet, Ill., serves close to 4,000 students nationwide and offers undergraduate, graduate, doctoral and certificate programs in the arts and sciences, business, education, nursing and social work. There are over 53,000 USF alumni across the globe. For information, call 800-735-7500 or visit stfrancis.edu.

University of St. Francis: Bigger thinking. Brighter purpose.

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USF News

Alysa Kline Named a 2020 Student Laureate

Alysa Kline

Joliet, Ill.  – The Lincoln Academy of Illinois recently honored top students representing Illinois’ colleges and universities with the 46th annual Lincoln Academy Student Laureate virtual ceremony on November 10. University of St. Francis (USF) senior Alysa Ann Kline, a nursing major from Joliet, was one of 55 students named to the Class of 2020 Student Laureates.

“Being named as USF’s 2020 Student Laureate is truly an honor. Helping others has given me a sense of purpose and becoming a Student Laureate has only fueled my drive to create a community that I want my children, our future generations, and our family to grow old in. I believe it is obligatory to be a good citizen, great role model, and to advocate for others,” Kline said.

Kline, who was nominated for the award by USF Leach College of Nursing faculty members Lynnann Murphy, MSN, R.N.; Megan Vasecka, MSN, R.N.; Julie Bialas, MSN, FNP-C; and USF Academic Resource Center assistant director, Joanna Kourtidis, added that she now recognizes the future impact that effort put into today can create.

“(President Abraham) Lincoln said it best in his annual message to congress, ‘the fiery trial through which we pass, will light us down, in honor or dishonor, to the latest generation.’ Therefore, through this award, I realize that a single person like myself can have a ripple effect that lasts generations. This award has been subtle reminder that my work, our work, within the community is never done,” she said.

As she enters the final semester of her undergraduate studies at USF, Kline believes that USF has prepared her well to make a difference within her field.

“Nursing school is challenging and the thought of obtaining a job after graduation is daunting to some. Through state-of-the-art high-fidelity simulation labs, extensive hands-on training, clinical practice in a wide variety of settings, and career support services, USF has made me feel confident in my transition from student nurse to new graduate RN. Furthermore, I’ve been blessed with the opportunity to see firsthand what it means to be a nurse who advocates, is passionate, thoughtful, patient, dedicated, and culturally aware by observing my own nursing instructors in action,” Kline said.

After graduating in spring 2021, Kline looks to begin her career working in a hospital setting focused on children with critical needs.

“I want to specialize in critical care and work as a PICU (pediatric intensive care unit) nurse. I grew up in a small, rural area, where access to healthcare was limited. My own person experience and knowledge as a student nurse has inspired me to want to work in a critical shortage facility before returning to school to complete my master’s degree studies. I am confident that whichever path I choose will be rewarding and one of service,” Kline said.

About the Lincoln Academy Student Laureate Virtual Ceremony

The 46th annual Lincoln Academy Student Laureate virtual ceremony recognized excellence in curricular and extracurricular activities by seniors from each of the state’s four-year, degree-granting colleges and universities, and one student from the community colleges in Illinois. 

The Zoom production included a congratulatory statement by Governor J.B. Pritzker, the President of the Lincoln Academy. Academy Vice Chancellor, The Honorable Ron Spears, gave the invocation and Chancellor Frank Clark provided welcoming remarks. Four Laureates of The Lincoln Academy spoke to each of the four recognized pillars Abraham Lincoln’s leadership, which include: Courage, 2012 Lincoln Laureate and 1990 Student Laureate Jean Driscoll; empathy, 2005 Lincoln Laureate and past Academy Chancellor Stephanie Pace Marshall, Ph.D.; honesty, 2019 Laureate George Will; and integrity, 2014 Laureate Michael “Coach K” Krzyzewski.

Student Laureates will also receive a letter and certificate of merit signed by Gov. Pritzker, a Lincoln medallion, a challenge coin, and a $500 check from The Lincoln Academy. Student Laureates were selected by their individual schools.

In addition to honoring the state’s Student Laureates, Illinois is unique in the United States in selecting present or former citizens who have made outstanding contributions toward the progress and betterment of humanity to be honored as Laureates of the Lincoln Academy and receive the “Order of Lincoln” from the Governor, a process that has been in place since 1964.

Proceeds from the spring Laureate Convocation are used to support the Student Laureate program each fall. For more information or to view the ceremony, visit TheLincolnAcademyOfIllinois.org or any of The Lincoln Academy’s social media sites.

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Currently celebrating 100 years of higher education rooted in Franciscan values, the University of St. Francis, in Joliet, Ill., serves close to 4,000 students nationwide and offers undergraduate, graduate, doctoral and certificate programs in the arts and sciences, business, education, nursing and social work. There are over 51,000 USF alumni across the globe. For information, call 800-735-7500 or visit stfrancis.edu.

University of St. Francis: Bigger thinking. Brighter purpose.

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USF News

USF Senior Morayma Barron Honored as a 2019 Student Laureate by Lincoln Academy

Joliet, Ill. – For University of St. Francis (USF) senior Morayma Barron of Joliet, her college experience has been what a she had hoped it would be and more. She has been challenged to grow as a student, to serve those in need, and to prepare herself for life after graduation. Her own efforts are helping her achieve those goals and beyond, while also garnering her accolades some along the way, as Barron has recently been named 2019 Student Laureate by the Lincoln Academy of Illinois.

Each year, the Lincoln Academy of Illinois honors one outstanding senior from each of the State’s four year, not-for-profit degree granting institutions and one outstanding senior from among all of the community college students who demonstrate leadership, service and academic excellence. Honorees were celebrated at the 45th Annual Convocation and Investiture of Student Laureates on Saturday, Nov. 16, 2019 at the Hall of Representatives of the Old State Capitol Historic Site in Springfield.

“Being selected as the Lincoln Laureate means everything to me. It means that I have been able to connect with so many different people who have gotten to know me well. It is also such a huge honor not only to be nominated, but also to actually be selected as a recipient. I work hard and have my hand in several cookie jars, but I do it because I want to. I never thought I would receive an award such as this. I am just really grateful,” said Barron, who was nominated for the award by Orlando Griego, dean of USF’s College of Business and Health Administration, and Jeff Chiapello, USF’s director of academic advising, and who is also Barron’s cross country and track coach.

Barron certainly maintains a full schedule at USF, both in and out of the classroom. In addition to her studies as a double major in accounting and management with a minor in marketing, Barron is a member of the USF Fighting Saints women’s cross country and track teams. She is also serves as a student worker for Student Enrollment and the Career Success Center, and is an active member of several organizations and honor societies, including: Arthur Schmitt Scholars, F.R.E.E. (finance club), S.C.A.L.E.S. (accounting club), University Success Scholars, S.T.A.T. (Student Today Alumni Tomorrow), San Alberto Hurtado Latino Honor Society, Duns Scotus Honors Program, Delta Mu Delta and Delta Epsilon Sigma.

Barron also values the ability to volunteer and give back to the community. Last spring, USF’s accounting department and its students offered free tax preparation services for qualifying community members through the organization of a Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA) site. The group’s efforts were impactful, as they filed close to 260 tax returns for Joliet area residents.

“Volunteering at the VITA site was a great experience and I plan on doing it again this year. I had the opportunity to help low-income individuals get their taxes prepared. The best part for me was when I was able to help an individual who did not speak English. Growing up, neither of my parents spoke English too well, so often I had to be their translator. I never liked seeing my parents, or any individual, struggle to communicate. I know that they feel uncertain and do not want to embarrass themselves, so being able to help those individuals feel comfortable and understood is extremely important to me,” she said.

Barron also understands the importance of service, especially when one has the capacity to answer that call. She hopes that her own actions inspire others to answer that call, as well.

“I volunteer because I can. If I am able to help someone, then I see no reason why I shouldn’t do just that. It makes me happy to know that I helped someone or made a difference. It’s important to me because maybe other people will do the same,” she added.

As she enters the final leg of her undergraduate career at USF, Barron can begin to reflect on her experience at Joliet’s only four-year university with pride, knowing that it prepared her well for life after graduation this spring.

“I’ve experienced so many good things at USF. I have had so many wonderful opportunities to grow as a servant leader. I have been able to learn and study something I truly enjoy. I am a part of a great and hardworking team, and I have been able to meet such kind, caring and genuine people who want to see me succeed. I think the best part of it is that I got to experience all this and I will be graduating with zero college debt,” Barron said.

In addition to her final semester of coursework, Barron will continue to study for the CPA exam that she anticipates taking this spring. In June, she will begin her professional career with Deloitte, one of the big four accounting firms, as a tax consultant.

The University of St. Francis, in Joliet, Ill., serves close to 4,000 students nationwide, offering undergraduate, graduate, doctoral and certificate programs in the arts and sciences, business, education, nursing and social work. There are over 50,000 USF alumni across the globe. For information, call 800-735-7500 or visit stfrancis.edu.

University of St. Francis: Bigger thinking. Brighter purpose.

(image caption – University of St. Francis senior Morayma Barron of Joliet, Ill., pictured with her mother and father, was named a 2019 Student Laureate by the Lincoln Academy of Illinois.)

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USF News

Roberto Santillan Named 2018 Lincoln Laureate

Dec. 6, 2018 | Joliet, Ill.

Sometimes, the potential others see in us can inspire us to reach great heights and realize our innate potential to succeed. For University of St. Francis (USF) senior Roberto Santillan, such has been the case. Santillan, who cites the support of faculty at USF as a catalyst to a successful collegiate career that is entering its final semester, was recently named a 2018 Student Laureate of the Lincoln Academy of Illinois.

According to the Lincoln Academy of Illinois website, the organization honors one outstanding senior from each of the four year not-for-profit degree granting institutions and one outstanding senior from among all of the community college students who, in the spirit of Abraham Lincoln, demonstrated leadership and service in his or her campus or community and excellence in curricular and co-curricular programs, to be named Student Laureates and receive the Abraham Lincoln Civic Engagement Award and the Lincoln Medallion. Honorees were celebrated at the 44th Annual Convocation and Investiture of Student Laureates on Saturday, Nov. 17, 2018 at the Hall of Representatives of the Old State Capitol Historic Site in Springfield.

Santillan was humbled to be recognized among such elite company comprised of top college students from across Illinois, but was just as humbled as he looks at the caliber of past winners of the award from USF.

“Some amazing people from USF have earned this award in the past. I’m friends with the past three USF honorees and I know how talented and gifted they are, so I actually thought that this might be out of my reach,” Santillan said.

While his hard work, leadership, and academic achievement are what qualified him for the award, Santillan said that winning the award demonstrates the amount of support he is given daily by USF faculty and staff members.

“Being name a Student Laureate has shown me the amount of work so many people at USF have put in to help me succeed and be heard. This award is much less about my success and much more about the people at USF who have helped me succeed,” Santillan said.

One of Santillan’s political science instructors, Professor Julie Victa, is at the top of that list.

“Professor Victa has been there for me all four years that I have been here at USF. Initially, she is the one who convinced me to major in political science, but has since become not only one of my instructors, but one of my mentors. Thanks to her, I have been able to secure two internships and be awarded a research grant (with Victa). I could never thank her enough for her support and her impact on my life,” Santillan said.

“I first met Roberto as one of my Core I students, where I learned he was planning on being a history major. Through A.P. tests, he came to USF with credit for nine classes, so I told him it would be fairly easy to double major in political science,” Victa said.

“Roberto is a wonderful, engaged, curious and enthusiastic student. He has also thrown himself into a wide range of extracurricular activities at USF like peer ministry, the mock trial team, and student government president. I also selected him to work with me on a Summer Undergraduate Research Experience (SURE) grant where he examined Illinois Catholic universities’ response to Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) students. I had been planning to nominate him as a Lincoln Laureate when he reached his senior year since he exemplifies all that it stands for: scholarship, extracurricular activities and community service. I am so proud of what he has accomplished,” said added.

In addition to being a full-time student, Santillan is highly visible on USF’s campus because of the many roles he has assumed. He is the president of the Student Government Association, co-captain of the mock trial team, is a member of both the men’s soccer team and Schola Cantorum, and is a tutor in the USF Academic Resource Center.

For the final semester of his undergraduate experience, Santillan will spend his time in an internship with U.S. Senator Dick Durbin.

“I’m very excited to spend the spring working for Senator Durbin. He is one of the most notable senators in the U.S. Government and has worked hard to generate progress in the areas of healthcare and immigration. I’m looking forward to learning more about how government functions and adding to the wonderful experiences I earned during a previous internship with United States Representative Bill Foster,” Santillan said.

After graduation, Santillan hopes to secure a job in government to continue learning more about public policy, immigration, and international affairs. He also dreams of attending law school at Northwestern’s Pritzker School of Law.

“At USF, I’ve had a chance to reinvent myself and I’ve learned to challenge myself. The support I have had here for the past four years has given me an opportunity to grow as a student, as a person, and in my faith. It’s been an amazing experience,” he said.

The University of St. Francis, in Joliet, Ill., serves close to 4,000 students nationwide, offering undergraduate, graduate and doctoral programs in the arts and sciences, business, education, nursing and social work. There are over 49,000 USF alumni across the globe. For information, call 800-735-7500 or visit stfrancis.edu.
University of St. Francis: Bigger thinking. Brighter purpose.