Robinson '24 Receives Lincoln Laureate Award

Nov. 9, 2023

BLOOMINGTON, Ill. — Nora Robinson '24 was named Illinois Wesleyan’s Student Laureate by The Lincoln Academy of Illinois during a Nov. 4 ceremony in Springfield.

Each year, the Lincoln Academy of Illinois awards one student representative from every four-year university across Illinois in recognition of leadership and service in both their curricular and extracurricular activities that emulate Abraham Lincoln’s values: “excellence, service and honor.”

Robinson, of Eureka, is studying psychology with a minor in criminology. As a student at Eureka High School, she was captain of the speech team, a member of the 2018 State Champion cross country team, a musician and a class officer. Robinson said she was drawn to attend Illinois Wesleyan after falling in love with the campus and for the chance to be involved in both music and athletics. 

At IWU, she is involved in the Titan Pep Band and University Choir, serves as a member of Student Senate, represents Titan cross country and track & field on the Student-Athlete Advisory Committee, and has served as an intern with IWU Conference Services. She has been recognized with a P.E.O. Star Scholarship and was named to the Academic All-CCIW track and field team. Robinson is also passionate about criminal justice reform and improving access to mental health services. 

After graduating from IWU, she plans to attend graduate school to study student affairs. She said the award was a surprise and an honor to receive. 

“At the end of the day, I care about building communities where each person can feel like there’s a place for them,” said Robinson. “I truly hope that that’s something I’ve been able to do at IWU and I hope to continue that wherever I go.”

By Julia Perez