Quinn to honor college students

SPRINGFIELD — Gov. Pat Quinn has released the names of students being honored Saturday by the Lincoln Academy of Illinois.

The academy will recognize the more than four dozen students during its annual Student Laureate Convocation at the Old State Capitol historic site in Springfield.

The awards are presented to seniors at each of the state’s four-year degree granting colleges and universities. An award is also given to one student from an Illinois community college. Each award winner receives a medallion and a $1,000 educational grant.

This is the 39th year students have been honored by the academy.

Quinn says the students have “exhibited a personal commitment to excel” and serve as role models.

The honorees include: Jenna A. Orabutt (Augustana College) of Hawthorn Woods; Andrew J. Patton (Aurora University) of Oswego; Caelin Niehoff (DePaul) of Algonquin; Emily A. Darrow (Elmhurst College) of Palatine; Brian M. Kulaga (Illinois State) of Elmhurst; Emily E. D’Ambrose (Millikin) of Naperville; William T. Terrill (Monmouth College) of Sugar Grove; Kristine Becker-Kristufek (National Louis) of Mount Prospect; Samantha A. Nielsen (Quincy University) of Arlington Heights; Lauren Bryk (St. Xavier) of Rolling Meadows; Megan L. Anderson (Trinity Christian) of Elgin; and Amanda M. Rowland (University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign) of Burr Ridge.