North Central College names Colin Loeffler its 2013 Lincoln Laureate

Colin Loeffler has been named North Central College’s 2013 Lincoln Laureate. A senior from Sun Prairie, Wis., Loeffler is double majoring in theatre and English literature and active in the music department and many campus programs.

“Colin is a formidable scholar, whose work in classes is often graduate level. He excels as an artist and student leader and is an extraordinary role model in all his endeavors,” says Lisa Long, professor of English at North Central College.

An active member and officer of the College Scholars Honors Program and Sigma Tau Delta, the English honor society, Loeffler is routinely included in North Central’s Dean’s List of scholars. He has served as a research assistant for an English faculty member and was part of the College’s Summer Undergraduate Research Colloquium for two summers. He’s presented his personal research multiple times at the National Conference on Undergraduate Research, the International Sigma Tau Delta Convention and North Central’s Rall Symposium for Undergraduate Research.

Further interest in research led him to apply for and receive a Richter Independent Study Fellowship from North Central to fund his travel to England and research productions of “Richard III.” During his junior year, he studied abroad at the University of Glasgow, Scotland, where he directed a short play.

Throughout his years at North Central, Loeffler has landed major acting roles in mainstage productions. He’s also served as a dramaturge and assistant director for multiple productions and was selected by the theatre faculty for the coveted Student Director Series to direct and stage a show of his choosing. He’s worked as a research assistant and preceptor for theatre faculty and served as president of the student theatre organization, The Company.

In addition, Loeffler plays cello for the College’s String Ensemble, serves as a study abroad ambassador, and works in the admission office and Writing Center as a tutor. He served as music director for a summer vacation Bible school through North Central’s Office of Ministry and Service and participated in an ecumenical advocacy conference in Washington, D.C.

Based on his scholarship, leadership abilities and commitment to social change, Loeffler has been nominated for a prestigious Marshall Fellowship, which funds graduate study at an institution in the United Kingdom.

The student Lincoln Laureate is an annual award by The Lincoln Academy of Illinois that honors outstanding seniors at four-year degree-granting institutions in Illinois. Gov. Pat Quinn presented Loeffler and other 2013 honorees with a medallion, certificate of achievement and a check for $1,000 during a ceremony on Saturday, Nov. 2, in the House of Representatives Chamber at the Old State Capitol in Springfield. Student laureates were honored during a luncheon in the Governor's Executive Mansion immediately following the ceremony. Visit thelincolnacademyofillinois.org to learn more.