Jessica Hoffmann is our 2021 Student Laureate
Jessica Hoffmann, who excels in mathematics and nurtures a passion for helping others, is our 2021
Student Lincoln Laureate. The Lincoln Academy awards the State of Illinois’ highest
student honor for leadership, service and excellence in curricular and extracurricular
activities, and Jessica more than fits the bill.
“Jessica exemplifies the characteristics of a Student Laureate,” said Dr. Alan Alewine,
associate provost. “She is passionate about her future work as a high school mathematics
teacher, and it is certain that she will be a devoted mentor for the young people
under her supervision.”
The newly-graduated secondary education mathematics major from Belleville, Ill., was a highly active member of the Lyn Huxford Center for Community
Service on campus, participating in and even coordinating numerous service projects.
Two of her favorite service projects include volunteering at Cedar Ridge Nursing Home
and Without Limits Dance Company, both in Lebanon. “It feels good to bring joy to
someone’s life,” Jessica said. “It’s also important to remain open-minded because
the people one serves will often help someone right back. Everyone has a story to
tell and a lesson to share, and these are what I love to share with the people I volunteer
for when giving back.”
As a student, Jessica was a member of the McKendree varsity women’s soccer team, Phi
Kappa Phi, Sigma Zeta, Phi Eta Sigma and Pi Mu Epsilon. Her true passion lies in mathematics
and teaching her future students problem-solving skills. “Math is tricky, yet rewarding,
and that is something I wish to share with today’s youth,” she said. “I want to make
class enjoyable so that my students enjoy coming and can later become successful adults.”
