Charles DeLoach named Olivet Nazarene University's 2017 Lincoln Student Laureate

2017 Nov 17

Charles R. DeLoach III, a senior majoring in criminal justice, is Olivet Nazarene University's 2017 Lincoln Student Laureate. He is the son of Charles and Tamara DeLoach of Chicago Heights, Illinois.

Representing Olivet, DeLoach was honored by The Lincoln Academy of Illinois during the annual Student Laureate Convocation on November 11 at the Old State Capitol State Historic Site in Springfield. Inducted into the Order of Lincoln, he also received the Abraham Lincoln Civic Engagement Certificate.

During the ceremony, Governor Bruce Rauner, the president of the Lincoln Academy, and First Lady Diana Rauner presented each student with a certificate of merit, a Lincoln medallion and a $1,000 check from The Lincoln Academy.

"Charles exemplifies the values of Olivet Nazarene University and serves as a role model in every aspect of his life," said Dr. Walter "Woody" Webb, vice president for student development. "He has earned the respect of his faculty, the staff and those who know him best. We are honored to have him representing Olivet as the 2017 Lincoln Laureate."

DeLoach played football with the Olivet Tigers team for four years and was the captain during his third year. He is a campus leader in the Social Justice Club, Black Christian Student Association and Proclamation Gospel Choir. He participated in two student-led trips to work with residents of the Englewood neighborhood in Chicago.

"I have a heart for those who experience injustices daily and are swept under the rug by society," said DeLoach. "My desire is to help bring light to those issues."

In the local community, DeLoach serves as a mentor to junior high school students. He is the associate minister and a Sunday School teacher at Morning Star Baptist Church, Kankakee, Illinois. After completing an internship in the office of the Kankakee County State's Attorney, he has accepted a full-time position there.

This is the 43rd year The Lincoln Academy has celebrated students' excellence in Illinois. The annual Lincoln Academy Student Laureate Ceremony recognizes excellence in curricular and extracurricular activities by seniors from each of the state's four-year, degree-granting colleges and universities, and one student from each of the community colleges in Illinois. Student Laureates are selected by their individual schools.