Greenville College Student, Joshua Cranston, Receives Prestigious Award

Published: April 13, 2021

On November 5^th, 2011, The Lincoln Academy of Illinois honored outstanding senior college students from each of the four-year, degree-granting colleges and universities in the state. The Lincoln Academy's Student Laureate Awards are presented for excellence in curricular and extracurricular activities to students who have a personal commitment to excel in their academic accomplishments.

At the Student Laureate Convocation, each student received a Student Laureate Medallion, along with an honorarium check and certificate of achievement. The Convocation was held at the Old State Capitol Historic Site in Springfield, followed by a luncheon at the Illinois Executive Mansion.

Joshua Cranston, a senior at Greenville College, was selected to attend the special event and receive the prestigious award. Cranston noted, "I was very honored to receive the Lincoln Laureate award. I guess I was plain flattered by the recognition. When Dr. Bergen gave me the news, I didn't know how to react, so I kept thanking him, even after he told me that I had nobody to thank but myself."

When asked about his time at the Illinois Executive Mansion, Joshua was willing to share a few details. "The Illinois Executive Mansion is an amazing house, especially the greenery and gardens surrounding the edifice. I enjoyed the elliptical staircase and the grandeur of the place." Joshua also shared what it was like to meet with the other students selected for this prestigious award, noting, "the other laureates seemed nice and congenial, though I'm sure they felt the same tinge of nervousness that I did."

Joshua is studying Philosophy and History at Greenville College and just finished up his last year on the men's soccer team. He studied abroad last spring in Kigali with Go-ED where alongside his studies he "planted trees, made good friends and explored the beautiful countryside and hills of Rwanda."

Both of Joshua's parents, three out of four grandparents and large number of other family members all attended Greenville College. He grew up hearing their stories and experiences at the college. Joshua pointed out, "when I came to preview the campus, I stayed with my cousin and he showed me firsthand the ready opportunity for community and adventuresome fun, which left a favorable impression on me. I have an amazing and invaluable conglomeration of friends here that have enriched my experience at college and am very thankful for the connections I have made here at Greenville College."