QU Senior Named Lincoln Laureate
The Lincoln Academy of Illinois named Quincy University senior Jacob Flynn, of Mt. Sterling, Ill., a recipient of the prestigious Lincoln Academy Student Laureate Award for 2020. The award is presented to a senior from each four-year college or university in Illinois who demonstrates excellence in the classroom and leadership throughout the campus and community. Flynn was honored recently at the request of The Lincoln Academy of Illinois, in a private ceremony held in the QU Chapel.
“Jacob has been a consistently extraordinary student, and has set an example of academic excellence to which all current and future students should aspire,” said Brian McGee, Ph.D., QU president. “My congratulations to Jacob on this accomplishment, which only a few students from the State of Illinois can proudly list on their resume. I also congratulate the faculty who work so hard to help all our students succeed.”
Flynn is a history major and is currently a member of the CEO Club and Students for Life on campus. Last spring, the CEO Club placed first among four teams in a marketplace simulation where they built a 3D printed bike business from the ground up. During his freshman and sophomore year, he was involved in the Fellowship of Christian Athletes and the Computer Science Club. After graduation, he hopes to work for a museum, putting exhibits together.
“It is a huge honor to be nominated and accepted,” said Flynn. “I want to thank my mother and aid for their encouragement throughout my childhood and teen years. They believed I could do this before I believed I could and have been with me every step of the way to QU. I also want to thank my professors. Each one has taught me something I needed to know and has helped me get here.”
This is the 46th year The Lincoln Academy has celebrated students’ excellence in Illinois. Each student was presented with a certificate of merit signed by the governor, a Lincoln medallion, a $1,000 check and for the first time the challenge coin of The Lincoln Academy.
“On the back of the coin, there is an inscription that talks about leadership that inspires and transforms. There is a list of four attributes that we can all use in our lives, courage, integrity, honesty and empathy,” said Del Mitchell, chairman of the QU Board of Trustees and trustee of the Lincoln Academy of Illinois. “I know these are all things present in Jacob’s life and have helped him succeed. We have great expectations for Jacob’s future accomplishments.”
Founded in 1860 by Franciscan friars, Quincy University is celebrating 160 years as a small Catholic university emphasizing the sciences, liberal arts and the professions. Quincy University offers undergraduate, graduate and adult education programs integrating practical experience and Franciscan values. Faculty and advisors work with students to design customized success plans to help them graduate on time, find their passion and prepare them for life. QU is a member of NCAA Division II for intercollegiate athletics. For more information, please visit www.quincy.edu or contact the Office of Community Relations at (217) 228-5275 or communityrelations@quincy.edu. Quincy University. Success by Design.