Whether in person or online, discussions are one of the most important and potentially memorable aspects of any course. Seeing students working together to build foundational knowledge and extend their learning–all while creating connections with each other–is rewarding and uplifting. 

University of Illinois Springfield senior Abigail Hemmer of Springfield has been named the UIS recipient of the Lincoln Academy of Illinois’ prestigious 2025 Student Laureate Award. Each year, one student from each four-year university in Illinois is selected for the honor.

Hemmer, a medical laboratory science major and commuter student, plans to pursue a master’s degree and become a certified pathologists’ assistant after graduation.

Transfer students who choose the University of Illinois Springfield will soon have a new way to earn their degree without the financial burden of tuition and fees. Beginning in fall 2026, UIS will expand its Prairie Promise financial aid program to include eligible transfer students.

The initiative builds on UIS’ existing Prairie Promise, launched in October 2023, which guarantees full coverage of tuition and fees for qualified first-time, first-year undergraduate students.