Louwaillen Krupa, alumna of Moraine Valley Community College, has won the 2021 Abraham Lincoln Civic Engagement Award, which honors one noteworthy senior from each four-year degree-granting school in Illinois. Krupa currently attends National Louis University-Kendall College.
Students selected for this award have exhibited the virtues Abraham Lincoln possessed: courage, empathy, honesty and integrity. They are honored for their leadership, service and overall excellence in curricular and extracurricular activities. The governor bestows the awards upon the selected students, who then become Student Laureates of the Lincoln Academy of Illinois.
“I was chosen for this award because they recognized my hard work and my dedication. I also proved that I was different from other applicants, and I’ve learned a lot from my past experiences,” Krupa said.
Krupa completed her associates degree in culinary arts management at Moraine Valley, finishing cum laude in 2020. She has completed her bachelor’s degree and is in pursuit of her master’s degree while working full time as a line and banquet cook at Butterfield Country Club.
While at Moraine Valley, Krupa learned important fundamental culinary arts skills including cooking, baking and how to properly manage a kitchen. “I was not behind when I started attending NLU. I already learned a lot of techniques and had a good foundation of culinary knowledge,” Krupa said.
“We couldn’t be prouder knowing that Louwaillen won the 2021 Lincoln Laureate Award. It was very well deserved, as she was always a passionate and energetic culinary arts student who went above and beyond to expand her professional and educational horizons. Lou had an amazing work ethic and took ownership in all aspects of her learning. It was truly a pleasure to work with her during her time at Moraine Valley, and we wish her all the best in future endeavors,” said Lampros Tzimas, associate professor of Culinary Arts & Hospitality Management.
Krupa will receive her award on June 23, prior to her graduation ceremony at NLU Kendall.
