Molly Elizabeth Studer, Center. Standing with Studer are Judson University President Gene C. Crume, Jr., left, and Lincoln Academy Vice Chancellor William Bennett.

Molly Elizabeth Studer of Milford, a student at Judson University, was recognized as a Student Laureate by the Lincoln Academy of Illinois during a special ceremony Nov. 1 at the Old State Capitol in Springfield.

The Lincoln Academy’s Student Laureate 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 among 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 40th year Lincoln Academy celebrated students’ excellence in Illinois.

The Lincoln Academy, unique among the 50 states, was established more than 50 years ago to honor distinguished citizens with the state’s highest award, the Order of Lincoln.  The 52^nd Annual Convocation and Investiture of Laureates of The Lincoln Academy of Illinois will take place Saturday, May 9, 2015, at the Illinois State Capitol in Springfield.