Gov. JB Pritzker has rolled out the red carpet for the 2024 Order of Lincoln laureates, announcing an impressive roster of honorees set to receive Illinois' most prestigious accolade for community service and professional achievement. According to the state's official release, this year's recipients—ranging from former justices to music legends—are slated for celebration at the 60th annual Convocation and Investiture on April 13 at the Chicago History Museum.
"I couldn't be prouder to announce this year's Order of Lincoln recipients—Illinois' highest honor for those undertaking irreplaceable work that uplifts their communities," Pritzker said. A mix of talent that includes a former Illinois Supreme Court Justice, a Baseball Hall of Famer, and one of the nation's premier musicians, The Hon. Ronald Spears, Chancellor of the Academy, praised the awardees' significant contributions. "These seven extraordinary people have truly proven themselves, and we are thrilled to give them the highest esteem that Illinois has to offer," Spears highlighted in the statement.
On the honoree list is centenarian Evelyn Brandt Thomas, the formidable businesswoman behind Brandt Consolidated, recognized for her swirl of philanthropy and corporate leadership. Other accolades mainline into the veins of Illinois' academic and cultural heart—with the likes of Lewis Collens, the educational trailblazer responsible for reviving two of Chicago's institutes, and Alison Krauss, the country and bluegrass siren with an enviable mantlepiece of 27 Grammy Awards.
Bringing diversity and perseverance to the forefront, Lester H. McKeever, Jr.'s formidable presence as one of America's earliest Black CPAs earned him a spot in the luminaries. Meanwhile, Raul I. Raymundo garnered the honor for transforming a modest endowment into a windfall of community investments via The Resurrection Project. And let's not overlook Jim Thome, who swung his way into baseball lore and now adds an Order of Lincoln to his trophy case.
Tickets and sponsorships are up for grabs for those looking to bask in the prestige of the April event. Interested parties can find further details and rub elbows with Illinois' crème de la crème by visiting the Lincoln Academy's official website or getting in touch with Executive Director Leanne Barnhart for a golden ticket.
