Empen '26 named Lincoln Academy student laureate

Augustana College senior Ian Empen, a double-major in geography and psychology from Rock Island, was named a student laureate by The Lincoln Academy of Illinois. He was honored at the Oct.18 ceremony held at the University of Chicago.

This was the 51st annual Lincoln Academy Student Laureate award ceremony, which recognizes seniors who have excelled in curricular and extracurricular activities at each of the state’s four-year degree-granting colleges and universities.

Empen said the recognition proves that his hard work didn’t go unnoticed.

"I wasn't expecting it at all," he said. "It does feel good to be honored in this way, and knowing the impact I've made on campus."

This year's ceremony included remarks by Todd Shapiro, the Academy Chancellor. Empen was one of 53 student laureates recognized, with each senior receiving the Abraham Lincoln Civic Engagement Award, a Lincoln medallion, a challenge coin and $1,000 from The Lincoln Academy.

Augustana College President Andrea Talentino said The Lincoln Academy Student Laureate program recognizes students not just for their academic accomplishments, but also their demonstrated commitment to leadership in their communities and service to higher goals.

“Ian Empen is a student who has demonstrated these attributes on our campus and beyond, and has truly modeled the principle of doing good for others,” President Talentino said. “He will leave Augustana better than he found it, and has left a lasting mark on our Rock Island community as well. He is truly worthy of being a Lincoln laureate.”

Here are some of the ways Empen has demonstrated his leadership on campus:

President, Augie Acres student-run garden
Vice President, Phi Mu Alpha music fraternity
Co-chair, Honor Council
Augustana Symphonic Band (trumpet)
Augustana Symphony Orchestra (trumpet)
Augustana Baby & Child Development Lab
Admissions Ambassador
Viking Mentor
Psychology/Neuroscience Club

Empen said the challenges he faces from being pulled in different directions are worth it because of the satisfaction he gets from his work.

"As far as balancing all of it, it takes a lot of coordination sometimes to make it all work," he said. "But … I'm so passionate about it and the impacts that each of my activities make that I'm more than happy to make it all work."

Empen has not set his mind on a career yet, but he is strongly considering counseling, health care or the non-profit sector. As for the $1,000 award, Empen said he plans to share it with those who have supported him in his endeavors.