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Ashley Luke Named Western Illinois University 2014 Lincoln Laureate

The award is presented annually to an outstanding senior of each of Illinois' four-year degree-granting institutions.

MACOMB, Ill. – Western Illinois women's basketball player Ashley Luke (Oak Creek, Wisconsin) has been named the Western Illinois University recipient of the Lincoln Academy of Illinois' Student Laureate Award for 2014. 

The award, presented annually to an outstanding senior of each of Illinois' four-year degree-granting institutions, honors a student's overall academic excellence and extracurricular activities. Luke, a senior political science and journalism double major, will also be named the College Scholar for the WIU College of Arts and Sciences this semester and plans to pursue a master's degree in economics from Western. 

"I am very honored to have been chosen as this year's Lincoln Laureate for WIU," Luke said. "I am grateful to both the staff and the students who helped me achieve this through their support and collaboration with me. I hope to represent WIU in a positive way through this award."

Luke is the president of the Associated Students of Political Science and Pi Sigma Alpha, the vice president of Fellowship of Christian Athletes, the founder of the WIU Athletic-International Ambassadors, the public relations director for the Gold Key International Honour Society, committee member of the Student Athlete Advisory Committee, the student athlete representative of the WIU Council on Intercollegiate Athletics, political science student representative for "Discover Western," a member of Phi Eta Sigma and a volunteer for the McDonough County Humane Society, McDonough District Hospital, Rocky's Reach, Adopt-a-Classroom, "We Care" campus revival, Trick the Town and the Stuff the Bus food drive. 

"What an accomplishment by Ashley, being named Western Illinois University's Lincoln Laureate. The award is another significant academic achievement by her and is a testament to our faculty and Centennial Honors program, said Director of Athletics Tommy Bell. "We are proud of all of her awards academically and athletically. She is a rising star in college athletics."

Luke, a forward with two seasons of eligibility remaining, was recognized last season as an Academic All-American, the first in WIU women's basketball history. Leading to the upcoming season, Luke was tabbed as the preseason Summit League Player of the Year after averaging 20.8 points and 10.5 rebounds a game in the 2013-14 campaign. As a freshman, Luke was named the Summit League 2012-2013 Newcomer of the Year.

"What a huge honor for Ashley and our program," said head coach JD Gravina. "The Lincoln Laureate is one of the biggest academic and co-curricular honors in the state of Illinois. Our university couldn't have a better person representing us for this award."

Luke is the fifth Leatherneck student-athlete to receive the award, joining Laura Lins (women's soccer, 2011), Matt Barr (football, 2009), Julia Remes (women's soccer, 2007), and Lee Ann Majerle (women's basketball/track and field, 1990).

"This honor is a well-deserved recognition of Ashley's outstanding performance in the classroom and in extracurricular activities," said WIU political science Chair Keith Boeckelman. "She excels academically, on the basketball court and through her commitment to helping others." 

Luke will be presented her Lincoln Laureate Award during an awards ceremony in Springfield this Saturday (Nov. 1). 

Information from Western Illinois University Relations was used in the report. 
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Players Mentioned

Ashley Luke

#5 Ashley Luke

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6' 1"
Junior

Players Mentioned

Ashley Luke

#5 Ashley Luke

6' 1"
Junior
F