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Kreher recognized as Student Laureate

Senior advertising major Kristin Kreher commemorated her accomplishments this past weekend as one of 55 students in Illinois to receive Student Laureate honors.

The Lincoln Academy’s Abraham Lincoln Civic Engagement Awards are presented for excellence in curricular and extracurricular activities to seniors from each of the state’s four-year, degree-granting colleges and universities and one student from the community colleges in Illinois. Each student receives a Student Laureate medallion, a $1,000 educational grant and a certificate of achievement.

The ceremony was in the Springfield old state capitol building and included several prominent speakers.

Kreher said she believes the best part of the ceremony was the luncheon after the ceremony.

“The executive director of the Illinois board of higher education sat with us at our table, and with me being interested in pursuing student affairs as a career, we were able to really talk about student affairs and higher education just in general,” Kreher said. “It was a really great experience to have those conversations with someone who’s living that and having that influence all across the state with what’s going on with Illinois colleges and universities.”

Kreher said she was humbled and honored to receive the award, and she didn’t even know the award existed until last year.

“I’m thankful to have won this award because I know it’s not just a reflection of my own ambitions or accomplishments, but it’s the positive influence that I’ve had from all of my mentors, friends and fellow students that have really pushed me to be a better person, try harder and to do better,” Kreher said. “I’m definitely thankful to have met so many great people at Bradley that have been able to push me in the right direction.”

Jessica Chandler, director of the Lewis J. Burger Center, has worked with Kreher in the past, such as when planning the Welcome Week Service Project, designing various promotional flyers and serving as an advocate for leadership and service through Bradley’s Leaders Instilling kNowledge through Cooperative Service (LINCS) program.

“Kristin is probably one of the hardest working young women I have ever had the privilege to work with,” Chandler said. “Any project, task and favor I’ve ever asked her to do has been done with a smile and positive attitude. Her love of service and leadership shines bright, and you see that in whatever she is working on.”

Chandler said she believes Kreher is worthy of receiving the Student Laureate award for a variety of reasons.

“[Kreher] is a great student in and out of the classroom and gives 100 percent in whatever she does,” Chandler said. “She has been a part of some wonderful programs, organizations, projects and has done almost everything a student could do. She truly cares about Bradley and making the college experience better.”

Kreher said she is thankful for the opportunities she has had and the people she has met at Bradley.

“Getting involved also introduces you to people you may have never met otherwise,” Kreher said. “I’ve met all of my best friends at Bradley through my involvement. These are people who have big dreams and are working endlessly to achieve them. They challenge me everyday and set examples of integrity and hard work. They become not just mentors, but friends.”

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