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Southern Illinois University Edwardsville proudly hosted the 62nd annual Lincoln Laureates Convocation and Investiture on April 11, celebrating the state’s highest honor for professional achievement and public service. Illinois Gov. JB Pritzker conferred the state’s highest civilian honor, noting that 2026 Lincoln Laureates exemplify vision, innovation and compassion.   

Chancellor James T. Minor, PhD, welcomed Todd Shapiro, Chancellor of The Lincoln Academy of Illinois, Lincoln Academy regents and trustees, and honorees with a reception on April 10. On Saturday, the Lincoln Academy Board of Trustees convened in Birger Hall prior to the official ceremony held at Dunham Theater. The evening featured musical performances, including the rendition of the Illinois state song and concluded with a recessional dinner.  

The host committee included Chancellor Minor and co-host Ed Hightower, EdD, Vice Chair, SIU Board of Trustees. The celebratory weekend brought together more than 300 guests.  

"Our mission at SIUE is pretty straightforward. It is to develop professional scholars and leaders who shape a changing world,” Dr. Minor stated. “And it's not lost on us that the inductees this year each embody exactly what we hope to inspire in our students—individuals who live lives of purpose, service, a commitment to civic engagement, the boldness to lead achievements that advance society and the kind of impact that improves communities. Thank you, laureates, for reminding us of why our work with the next generation of leaders is so important. Your achievements will shape their aspirations.” 

Gov. Pritzker presented each Laureate with the Order of Lincoln medallion and certificate. The five Illinoisans, whose careers have made a lasting impact on education, civil rights, public policy, philanthropy, journalism and public service, are the following: 

• Larry Gies, Founder and CEO of Madison Industries   
• The Honorable Valerie Jarrett, the longest-serving senior advisor to a U.S. President   
• Blair Kamin, architectural columnist and critic   
• Reginald Petty, civil-rights activist and East St. Louis historian   
• The Honorable Jesse White, the longest-serving Illinois’ 37th Secretary    

Lincoln Academy of Illinois is a not-for-profit, nonpartisan and self-perpetuating corporation established in 1964 to recognize the outstanding contributions made by living Illinois citizens, whether by birth or by residence, toward the social, cultural and technological progress of mankind and thereby to encourage greater dedication to such progress by all citizens of Illinois. 
 
With the 2026 class, more than 350 individuals have now received honors over the past five decades.

Photos by Howard Ash