Des Plaines Native Nicole Jovicevic Named Student Lincoln Laureate

BLOOMINGTON, Ill.- Illinois Wesleyan University student Nicole Jovicevic (Des Plaines, Ill.) has been named a 2015 Student Laureate by the Lincoln Academy of Illinois as a result of her exceptional academic achievements and involvement in extracurricular activities.

The Lincoln Academy's Abraham Lincoln Civic Engagement Awards are presented to seniors from each of the state's four-year universities and colleges. Jovicevic attended the Student Laureate Convocation, where she received a $1,000 educational grant and certificate of achievement.

"I feel very humbled that the [IWU] faculty feel I am the candidate they want to represent Illinois Wesleyan for academic excellence and civic participation," Jovicevic said. "There is something very reassuring about receiving this sort of honor after many years of hard work and dedication that inspires you to continue down this same road."

Jovicevic praised Greg Shaw, chair and professor of political science, who accompanied her to the convocation. "He has challenged me to try harder academically, think more broadly, and continues to set an example of how to live a life engaged in your community," she said.

Jovicevic is a political science major at Illinois Wesleyan and will graduate in December. She has worked extensively with IWU's Amnesty International, serving as co-president and regional student activist coordinator. During her sophomore year, Jovicevic studied abroad, traveling to Chile, Jordan, and Nepal with SIT's International Honors Program for Human Rights.

In the future, Jovicevic said she hopes to explore her abilities in recruiting, leadership and talent development, or perhaps industrial psychology. "I am certain I want to work with people, help them reach their goals, and develop their leadership abilities."

Illinois Wesleyan is a highly selective, undergraduate university unique among four-year colleges offering pre-professional programs alongside curricula in the arts and sciences consistent with traditional liberal arts colleges.