Deal wins Student Laureate Award

11/04/2014 10:07 AM

By Margaret Cipriano ‘15

Psychology major Brian Deal ’15 is wrapping up his last year at Bradley with a bang. In early November, Deal received the Student Laureate Award presented by The Lincoln Academy of Illinois. This award is conferred to one graduating senior from every four-year institution and one community college in Illinois and celebrates overall academic and extracurricular excellence.

“When (Vice-President of Student Affairs) Nathan Thomas called me, I originally thought I was in trouble,” said Deal, “but after he explained what the Student Laureate award was, I was ecstatic. I felt extremely grateful and honored to be selected.”

Deal traveled to Springfield for the ceremony, which recognized 52 students. The ceremony included dignitaries, recognitions and an Abraham Lincoln impersonator reading the Emancipation Proclamation.

“I’ve never been part of something so grand,” he said. “To be recognized as one of the best students in Illinois was a really great honor.”

Deal also discussed how he felt involvement at Bradley had contributed to his nomination, recalling his time as a student aide and a student aide coordinator for Bradley’s summer orientation programs. Additionally, he mentioned his role as a Resident Advisor and an intern in the Admissions Office.

“I feel really honored to be chosen because everyone at Bradley is really involved, and they could have chosen anyone, but they chose me,” he said. “It’s nice to be recognized by your mentors and faculty and know that you’re appreciated.”

Each student chosen by the chief executive officers of their institution receives a Lincoln Medal, a certificate of merit and a monetary grant.