Wagner named one of stateโs top students
McKendree University senior Andrew Wagner was worried he was in trouble.ย
He had received an email telling him James Dennis, president of the university, wanted to have a meeting with him.
Once he arrived at the presidentโs office, the Waterloo native learned he had been named a student laureate by The Lincoln Academy of Illinois.ย
โI came in thinking, โOh, I might be in trouble for something. What did I do wrong?โโ Wagner recalled. โBut he congratulated me… So we just kind of had a nice half-an-hour talk about how proud he was of me as a student.โ
The Lincoln Academy was first established by a proclamation of Illinoisโ governor in 1964 to celebrate extraordinary Illinoisans.ย
In 1975, that mission was expanded to include honoring one student from each four-year college or university in the state. One student representing all community colleges is also honored.
The student laureates receive the Abraham Lincoln Civic Engagement Award for โtheir leadership and service in the pursuit of the betterment of humanity and for overall excellence in curricular and extracurricular activities.โ
Wagner, who is studying international relations, was nominated by the social sciences department at the school. He was then selected to be McKendreeโs representative.ย
โIt was solely based off of their recognition of me as a student,โ he explained. โI didnโt send in an application. I didnโt really have to ask anybody. Itโs kind of nice, too, because it goes to show all the hard work I was putting in was being recognized. It wasnโt something I had to prod anybody for.โย
Wagner was named to the schoolโs presidentโs list in the spring semester for having a perfect grade point average.ย
In addition to his academic success, Wagner is also active on campus and in the community.
He is on the universityโs speech and debate team, plays in multiple bands including the marching and concert bands, serves as head of the Model United Nations and was a member of a service fraternity.ย
He also volunteers, spending his entire junior year teaching Spanish to middle school students at a Lutheran school, among other service activities.ย
Even with his distinguished record, Wagner said he was surprised to learn about the award, which he had not heard of prior to his meeting with Dennis in mid-October.ย
โIt was kind of jaw-dropping, honestly,โ Wagner said. โI have only had a couple interactions with the president, but having him say in a one-on-one experience โWeโve seen all the hard work that youโre doing. The university appreciates you and we appreciate youโ was great. Itโs just kind of heartwarming to know that the place Iโve been calling home for the last four years has truly recognized and welcomed me to be a part of the community as Iโve worked to be a part of it.โ
Wagner went to Springfield on Nov. 17 for a ceremony and luncheon for the award winners at the Old State Capitol State Historic Site.ย
Many speakers talked to the winners about The Lincoln Academy of Illinois and how exemplary all the students are. The organization also provided current and past winners time to network.ย
Additionally, each student laureate received a certificate of merit signed by Governor Bruce Rauner, a Lincoln medallion and a $1,000 check.
Wagner said the entire experience served an affirmation that he appreciated.ย
โItโs very much a recognition of my efforts,โ he said. โIโve worked tirelessly to kind of be the best at what I do. I try to be a good leader for those around me, and sometimes itโs a thankless job. I feel like this has kind of been the big thank you that sometimes gets left out.โ
Wagner also said the recognition could serve him well in the future, such as when he applies to graduate schools after he earns his bachelorโs degree.
โItโs something people may not know of at first glance, but having the opportunity to explain it in an interview or in a conversation with somebody can really explain how big of a deal the award is, as well as how selective it is,โ he explained. โI think that will really resonate with employers or even admission offices at universities.โ