Michelle Anstett and President Mauri Ditzler

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MONMOUTH, Ill. — Michelle Anstett, a Monmouth College senior from Peoria, was one of 52 students honored by the Lincoln Academy of Illinois on Oct. 28 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. The ceremony was followed by a luncheon at the Executive Mansion.

An English and communications and theater arts double major, Anstett has been involved in several Crimson Masque theater productions, currently serves as editor of the school newspaper and has also participated in speech and debate competitions with Scotspeak! After a highly competitive selection process, she was chosen last fall to spend a semester studying at New College at Oxford University. Next spring, she will serve as one of the directors of the Crimson Masque production of “Othello.”

“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 the daughter of James and Darlene Anstett of Peoria. As Monmouth’s Lincoln Laureate, she will be asked to give an address to her graduating class at the 2007 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.

Released by the Office of College Communications
Barry McNamara, Associate Director of College Communications
Phone: 309-457-2117
Fax: 309-457-2330