Monmouth names Lincoln Laureate

By: John Skidmore
Copy Layout Editor

“The Courier’s” own editor-in-chief and senior Michelle Anstett was one of 52 students named by the Lincoln Academy of Illinois as Monmouth College’s Lincoln Laureate on Oct. 28 at the Old State Capitol in Springfield.

The Lincoln Laureate is an annually named honor given to an outstanding senior who exhibits overall excellence in curricular and extracurricular programs and is selected from each of the four-year, degree-granting institutions of higher learning in Illinois. The selected students are awarded a medallion featuring a portrait of President Lincoln, a certificate of merit and a small stipend for their achievement. The Lincoln Laureate is nominated by the chief executive officers of each college or university. These executive officers also serve as the Academic Trustees of The Lincoln Academy of Illinois. Following the honors reception, the newly announced laureates had a luncheon at the Executive Mansion.

“Michelle Anstett is a fine example of the very best at Monmouth College,” said Jacquelyn Condon, vice president for student life and dean of students. “She has excelled academically as well as co-curricularly as the editor of the campus newspaper and a committed member of our Crimson Masque theater society. The campus has been enriched by her engagement in the classroom and beyond.”

Anstett is an English and communications and theater arts double major, who is greatly involved in Crimson Masque theater productions. In the past, Anstett has performed in numerous productions, including “The Music Man,” “Tartuffe” and “Vagina Monologues.” She has also directed Tennessee Williams’ “Chalky White Substance” for Crimson Masque as well as many others for other organizations. This upcoming spring, Anstett will serve as the director of the Crimson Masque production of Shakespeare’s “Othello.”

As the Lincoln Laureate of Monmouth College, Anstett will be giving the commencement speech to the 2007 graduating class. Illinois, through the Lincoln Academy, is the only state to endow such an honor on a student. The Lincoln Academy was established in 1964 in order to honor the most distinguished citizens of Illinois, rewarding them with the Order of Lincoln. The Student Laureate program did not exist until 1975.