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Lincoln Laureate Thalia Mercado
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Mercado Named WIU's Lincoln Laureate

October 4, 2022

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MACOMB, IL – Western Illinois University political science, pre-law major, and law enforcement and justice administration minor Thalia Mercado, of Lockport, IL, has been has been named Western Illinois University's recipient of the 2022-23 Lincoln Academy of Illinois' Student Laureate Award.

The prestigious award, presented annually to an outstanding senior from each of Illinois' four-year degree-granting institutions, honors a student's overall academic excellence and participation in extracurricular activities.

"The honor of being Western Illinois University's Lincoln Laureate is a very humbling and fulfilling title," said Mercado. "This recognition is a gratifying testament to my efforts of hard work and dedication, for which I am incredibly grateful. The professors and advisors that helped guide me through my college career and get to this point have my utmost appreciation. The support and encouragement of not only the staff here at WIU, but my friends and family as well, keep me motivated to continue to give each of my opportunities my highest efforts. This accomplishment is another stepping stone for me as I continue to carve my path towards success, both academically and personally."

While at WIU, Mercado was able to complete the General Honors Program at WIU in three semesters, which she said exceeded her personal expectations.

While at her first Activities Fair as a freshman, Mercado learned of the University's Mock Trial program and quickly joined the organization and became its vice president. For this work, she received the Spirit of the American Mock Trial Association award. Mercado became president of the Mock Trial program during her junior year at Western.

Mercado has also served as a Student Government Association (SGA) senator for the Centennial Honors College, where she was named Senator of the Year. She later was voted in as Speaker of the Senate for the SGA.

"My professional objectives in becoming a lawyer entail, as of yet, being able to communicate effectively with people of different backgrounds with different aspirations and challenges, being the supportive pillar for those who I recognize as needing help and guidance, and being able to dedicate my time in an organized and productive manner," said Mercado. "My experiences in Mock Trial, the Student Government Association and the Centennial Honors College have contributed to me achieving these goals. I have been given not only the tools, but the opportunities to ask questions, listen and reflect on the words of those in support or opposition of me, and to not be intimidated by a challenge that, with enough ambition, I can overcome."

"This is a great honor for Ms. Mercado," said WIU Associate Provost and Assistant Vice President Mark Mossman. "It is also an honor for Western. Ms. Mercado has excelled, and we are lucky to have such a great student leader on our campus."

For more information about the Lincoln Laureate program, visit thelincolnacademyofillinois.org.



Posted By: University Communications (U-Communications@wiu.edu)
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