Olivet honors Breanne Bambrick of Washington as 2013 Student Lincoln Laureate

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Breanne Bambrick (center) celebrating her recent award with her parents, Mike and Alecia, and Dr. Woody Webb of Olivet

BOURBONNAIS, IL (11/25/2013)(readMedia)-- Before Olivet Nazarene University senior Breanne Bambrick's community in Washington, Ill. was severely damaged by a tornado on November 17, she was honored as a Student Laureate by the Lincoln Academy of Illinois. Bambrick was presented the award on Saturday, Nov. 2, 2013 alongside 52 other students in a ceremony at the Old State Capitol in Springfield, Ill.

The Student Laureate distinction is meant to recognize outstanding seniors for overall excellence in curricular and extracurricular activities. As an honoree, Bambrick received the Lincoln Academy Student Laureate Medallion, an honorarium and a certificate of achievement.

"It does not surprise me that Breanne would be selected to receive this prestigious award," said Dr. Woody Webb, vice president for student development. "She embodies quality leadership, and exemplifies it with a strong work ethic and unwavering character."

Bambrick, a social work major, has established her reputation as a leader through activities inside and outside the classroom. This academic year, Bambrick serves as student body president, after two years of serving as student body vice president of student relations. She is a member of the National Collegiate Honors Council, University Honors Program, Olivet's social work club, Diakonia, and Compassionate Ministries.

In addition to her on-campus involvement, Bambrick and parents, Mike and Alecia, have helped plant Connect Church in Washington, Ill. Although her family home was not damaged in the tornado, Bambrick is standing in faith with her community that they will continue to remain strong through the relief and rebuilding efforts.

Last October, Bambrick co-presented her Honors capstone project, "The Collaboration of Faith and Social Work in Creating a Gateway of Helping," with Dr. Houston Thompson, dean of the School of Professional Studies, at the 2012 North American Association for Christians in Social Work Convention. The presentation covered how to better prepare clergy for responding to macro-crises.

"Bre is an exceptional learner who demonstrates a passion for learning and a commitment to excellence," Dr. Thompson said. "She is competent and capable of accomplishing anything to which she sets her heart and mind."

"I am excited to be associated with those who have received the award before me, and to know that my legacy will have a place as well," Bambrick said. "The support I have received from my parents and faculty has been foundational in my personal and professional development."

Olivet Nazarene University is an accredited Christian, liberal arts university offering more than 100 areas of undergraduate and graduate study, including the Doctor of Education in ethical leadership. Olivet has one main campus in Bourbonnais, Ill. - just 50 miles south of Chicago; three additional sites: Rolling Meadows and Oak Brook, Ill., and Hong Kong; and more than 100 School of Graduate and Continuing Studies learning locations throughout Chicagoland and the Midwest. From Oxford to Tokyo, hundreds of Olivet students also experience the global classroom each year, whether through study abroad opportunities or worldwide mission trips.

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Contact:

Laura Warfel

Public Relations Specialist

Olivet Nazarene University

Bourbonnais, Ill.

www.olivet.edu

815-928-5403

lwwarfel@olivet.edu