GU’S CATE COTA NAMED 2024 LINCOLN LAUREATE

Published: October 30, 2024

From Left: Ronald D. Spears, chancellor of University of Illinois Springfield; Cate Cota, Greenville University, Staphanie Pace Marshall, regent and Lincoln Laureate, and Ed Curtis, Lincoln Laureate

The Lincoln Academy of Illinois recognized Greenville University senior Cate Cota as a 2024 Student Laureate. Cota was among 50 Illinois college and university students honored last Saturday in Springfield. Student Laureates are selected by their individual schools.

Cota majors in accounting and minors in ministry at Greenville University.

“This honor is a true blessing and something I don’t take for granted,” she said.

CHARACTER, COURAGE, SENSE OF DUTY

News of the award came to the Roundup, Montana native this summer as she finished her last few weeks of military training.

“I remember feeling an overwhelming sense of gratefulness towards my professors and others at Greenville University who have impacted me and equipped me for a life of character and service. I owe it all to God and the work He chooses to do through me.”

From Left: Professor Jane Bell, Cate Cota, and Jeannie Trudel, Vice President Academic Affairs and Student Development at Greenville University

Professors Keeli Rae Snow and Jane Bell, both of GU’s Briner School of Business, nominated Cota. In addition to her excellent academic performance, diligence, and joyful service, both noted her selfless commitment to serve in the United States Marines after graduation.

“This decision speaks volumes about her character, courage, and sense of duty to something greater than herself,” said Snow.

“No doubt she will continue to be a leader,” added Bell.

THE FULL GU EXPERIENCE

Cota, a McAllaster Honors Scholar, has played Panther basketball and served in GU’s prison ministry and as a peer chaplain. She participated in GU’s Student Senate, served as a Becker CPA representative, and worked in GU’s Office of Advancement and Facilities.

Off campus, she completed two accounting internships, led worship in area churches, and completed Marine Corps Office Candidate School. Through all of this, she maintained a 4.0 grade point average.

“It has been a busy three years,” she said, seeing each activity as a vehicle for God’s revealed goodness and faithfulness “in my life and the lives of others.”

As a Lincoln Student Laureate, Cota received a $1,000 stipend, a certificate, and medallion.

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Greenville University is an accredited Christian liberal arts university with more than 1,000 students, including traditional undergraduate, graduate, and adult degree completion students. Founded in 1892 and affiliated with the Free Methodist Church, the University is located in Greenville, Ill., 45 miles east of St. Louis, Missouri. For more information, visit www.greenville.edu.