2019 Lincoln Laureate: Amanda Spayer

Governors State University Accounting major Amanda Spayer has been named the 2019 Lincoln Laureate, honoring her leadership and service in the pursuit of the betterment of humanity and for overall excellence in curricular and extracurricular activities.

Amanda has earned a 4.0 and maintained a spot on the Dean’s list despite life’s challenges that previously forced her to drop out of high school.

After earning her GED, Amanda went on to earn an associate degree from Kankakee Community College and then enrolled at Governors State in 2017 with dreams of becoming a Certified Public Accountant (CPA) after graduation.

She is a member of Beta Gamma Sigma Business and Tau Sigma national honor societies and has been the co-president of the Accounting, Finance and Economics club at Governors State University since the spring of 2018.

In her nomination of Amanda, a faculty member wrote that Amanda “exemplifies the essence of how Lincoln’s Leadership Legacy will be a guide in directing a civic minded life of service and commitment to a greater good."

Each year, the Lincoln Academy of Illinois honors individuals whose contributions to the betterment of humanity have been accomplished in or on behalf of the State of Illinois, or whose achievements have brought honor to the state because of their identity with it, whether by birth or residence, or by their dedication to those principles of democracy and humanity. Additionally, one senior from each of the four-year, degree-granting institutions in Illinois is honored for overall excellence, in both curricular and extra-curricular programs.

Amanda notes a sense of fulfillment in receiving the award.

“This honor means everything to me. I have learned from receiving it that even at the age of 30, if you set a goal and work hard, anything is possible!”