Grace Amburgey, a senior at Olivet Nazarene University, was among those honored by The Lincoln Academy of Illinois during the 51st annual Lincoln Academy Student Laureate program on Saturday, October 18. The ceremony, honoring all 53 of the Class of 2025 Student Laureates, was held at the David Rubinstein Forum on the campus of the University of Chicago.
As one of the 2025 Lincoln Student Laureates, Grace was recognized for her excellence in curricular and extracurricular activities. One senior from each of four-year, degree-granting college and university in Illinois is chosen to be honored each year.
Grace’s collegiate journey at Olivet reflects a deep commitment to spiritual growth, community impact, and personal integrity. She currently serves as the Lead Chaplain for Upper Room, a weekly student-led worship service that plays a central role in campus spiritual life. Before stepping into that leadership position, Grace served faithfully on the chaplain team Upper Room for two years, gaining experience in ministry coordination and peer mentorship. Through both her chaplaincy and her previous role as the Spiritual Mentor Intern during her junior year, she served on the university’s Spiritual Life Student Leadership Team, helping shape the spiritual direction of the student body.
Additionally, while at Olivet, Grace served as a resident assistant during her sophomore and junior year. As the Spiritual Mentor Intern, she oversaw the spiritual life of six inner-campus dorms and helped ensure ministry was thriving across campus through mentoring six peers.
In his nomination letter for Grace, Vice President for Student Development Dr. Jason Stephens wrote, “I recommend Grace without reservation. She is a thoughtful, capable and a compassionate leader who will continue to make a meaningful impact wherever she serves.”
Beyond campus activities, Grace has served as a camp counselor at Camp Cotubic in Bellefontaine, Ohio, where she mentored 20 to 30 girls weekly, led camp activities, and developed her skills in teaching, leadership, and spiritual mentorship. She is also currently a pastoral ministry intern at Kankakee First Church of the Nazarene, where she is gaining hands-on experience across multiple ministries and developing a comprehensive understanding of church operations.
For more information about The Lincoln Academy, visit www.LincolnAcademyIllinois.org
For more information about Life at Olivet, visit Olivet.edu/Life-At-Olivet
Photos courtesy of the Office of Student Development
