Date: December 8, 2006
Contact: Lindsay Gladstone
Governors State University
Phone: (708) 534-7090
Fax: (708) 534-8399
Email: l-gladstone@govst.edu
For Immediate Release
University Park, December 8, 2006 –Governors State University recently announced that senior Loni Grosz has been selected the 2007 Student Lincoln Laureate from GSU.
“This is an honor reserved for the undergraduate who attains both the highest academic level and who contributes positively to the community,” said Dr. Sherilyn Poole, Interim Dean for Student Co-curricular Activities and Services. “Loni is a perfect choice based on her excellent academic standing and her service to children as an elementary school teacher.”
The award, sponsored by the Lincoln Academy of Illinois, is an annual honor reserved for the top senior from each of the state’s public and private baccalaureate degree granting colleges and universities. The award recognizes excellence in both curricular and extracurricular activities.
Grosz, of Burbank, was both pleased and surprised by the honor.
“I did not even know I had been nominated. It has been pretty exciting,” she said.
As part of the award, Grosz, her mother, and grandmother traveled to Springfield for a ceremony in the Old State Capitol building. Illinois Supreme Court Justice Anne Burke gave the Lincoln Laureates their commemorative medallions. Each award recipient also received a certificate and $150. After the ceremony, the laureates and their families had lunch at the Governor’s mansion.
“It was pretty exciting and my family was very proud,” said Grosz. “I have always worked hard in school and been involved in my studies and now in my student teaching. It was great to be recognized for my work.”
After Grosz finishes her student teaching, she will graduate from GSU and hopes to find a job teaching young children in a classroom of her own.
“I love to teach. My degree from Governors State is my second degree but it gives me the qualifications to do what I want to do. I love working with children.”
