Illinois College senior named Lincoln Academy Student Laureate

2011 Dec 6

Meaghan Karaffa, a senior from Girard, was named a Student Laureate by The Lincoln Academy of Illinois at a ceremony in the Hall of Representatives of the Old State Capitol on Saturday, November 5. Karaffa was one of 51 college students in the state of Illinois who received the award.

"Meaghan well represents her peers at Illinois College. In addition to her outstanding academic record, Meaghan's leadership on campus and her strong commitment to community service made her an ideal candidate for the honor of Student Laureate by the distinguished Lincoln Academy of Illinois," remarked Illinois College President Axel D. Steuer.

Karaffa will graduate from Illinois College in May 2012 with a major in computer science. During her years as an IC student, she was inducted into Phi Eta Sigma, a national honor society recognizing high scholastic achievement in first-year college students, and was recognized by the National Society of Collegiate Scholars. Awarded to the two students with the highest grade point averages in the class, Karaffa was selected as one of two 2011-2012 student marshals.

The senior is an active leader and volunteer on the Illinois College campus and in the Jacksonville community. On campus she serves as a computer science tutor, a resident assistant at Fayerweather Service and Leadership House, and is the outreach officer for Student Forum. She currently plays the alto saxophone in the college's Wind Ensemble, is secretary of the Computer Club and co-founded the French Club, for which she serves as secretary and treasurer.

In service to her community, Karaffa is the service chair of Illinois College's chapter of Circle K International and is a member of Students in Service. She is also a Girl Scout Troop Leader, a coach for Girls on the Run and a member of the Childhood Wellness Coalition at Passavant Area Hospital. Illinois College awarded Karaffa the Barbara Heintz Albach Memorial Award for her outstanding service accomplishments and the Ts'ing-Hi Tong Computer Science Award during the 2010-2011 academic year.

The November Student Laureate ceremony marked the 37th year that the Lincoln Academy has honored students at each four-year college in Illinois for overall excellence in both academic and extracurricular programs. Accompanying Karaffa at the award ceremony were her parents, John and Carolyn Karaffa, Federal Judge Richard Mills '51 and President Steuer.

Founded in 1829, Illinois College is a residential liberal arts college fostering academic excellence rooted in opportunities for experiential learning while preparing students for lifelong success.