MONMOUTH, Ill. — Monmouth College senior John Kaiser will be one of approximately 50 students honored by the Lincoln Academy of Illinois on Nov. 7 at the Old State Capitol in Springfield.

Each year, an outstanding senior who exhibits overall excellence in curricular and extracurricular programs is selected from each of the four-year, degree-granting institutions of higher learning in Illinois. The students are awarded a medallion of Lincoln, a certificate of merit and a small stipend and thereby become a Student Laureate. They are chosen by the chief executive officers of their respective institutions, who also serve as Academic Trustees of The Lincoln Academy of Illinois.

An accounting and business administration double major with minors in economics and Spanish, Kaiser currently serves as the president of the Associated Students of Monmouth College, as well as his fraternity, Sigma Phi Epsilon, and the Accounting Society. He has served as a Scot Ambassador and captain of the varsity swimming team, and he has been a member of the residence life staff and the Student Athlete Advisory Committee. The Dean’s List student is a member of the Alpha Lambda Delta, Sigma Delta Pi and Mortar Board honor societies. He is a Frank J. Ruck Leadership Scholar and was named to “Who’s Who Among Students in American Universities and Colleges.”

“John Kaiser is an outstanding student in every respect,” said Jacquelyn Condon, MC’s vice president for student life and dean of students. “His accomplishments in and out of the classroom made him a clear choice for this honor. Whether he is excelling as an accounting major or serving as the president of student government, he is a terrific role model and strong leader.”

As Monmouth’s Lincoln Laureate, Kaiser will be asked to give an address to his graduating class at the 2010 commencement.

The Lincoln Academy, unique among the 50 states, was established in 1964 to honor Illinois’ most distinguished citizens with the state’s highest award, the Order of Lincoln. The Student Laureate program began in 1975.