GRADUATES: Make Their Mark - Michael Anderson
Michael Anderson was selected a Lincoln Academy Student Laureate for 2011, a statewide
honor that recognizes his impressive accomplishments as a scholar, activist and student
leader.
The Lincoln Academy of Illinois gives the prestigious annual award for excellence
in curricular and co-curricular activities to one outstanding college senior from
each four-year institution. Anderson received the award medallion during a ceremony
held at the Old State Capitol in Springfield on Nov. 5, 2011.
"... a true scholar who believes in the power of political action to change the world."
The international relations and religion double major from Shiloh, Ill., was nominated by faculty members from the social
science and humanities divisions, who described him as “intellectually curious … a
true scholar who believes in the power of political action to change the world.”
Anderson has maintained a nearly perfect 4.0 grade point average while leading several
campus organizations, working as a research assistant for two professors, and tutoring
in the Writing Center.
"... my professors have given me a lot of opportunities."
“I’ve always felt a natural want to participate in things bigger than myself. My parents
instilled that in me early on. Here I feel I can actually do things to make a difference.
McKendree and my professors have given me a lot of opportunities,” he said.
Anderson describes himself as “a believer but not a member of any organized religion,”
who likes to read about different faith traditions. He is a founding member and the
current president of McKendree’s Interfaith Council, which brings together students
from faith and non-faith traditions to serve the community. It is his proudest accomplishment,
he says.
As a freshman, he was among the few male members to join the Young Feminists group
on campus, an organization he now leads as its 2011-12 president. “I have always believed
that you treat people as you want to be treated. It felt natural to me to join,” he
explained. “I would like to see the organization become more ‘activist-y,’ to step
up our political activity.”
Currently Anderson is also an officer in the university’s Oxfam America international
relief organization, and a member of Phi Kappa Phi and Pi Sigma Alpha national honor societies, Alpha Phi Omega service fraternity, Spectrum Alliance, and the new Philosophy Club.
"I try to get people involved in big things."
Anderson says he is motivated by “a general sense of wanting to do good. My sense
of morality wants me to make this place better, a more socially conscious place. These
are movements that raise issues. I try to get people involved in big things. These
are big issues that everybody should be aware of. I guess I’m just a student wanting
to do things.”
After he graduates from McKendree in May, 2012 he plans to study constructive theology
in graduate school, work toward a Ph.D. and eventually teach academic theology.
The Lincoln Laureate is Anderson’s second major honor in 2011. Earlier in 2011, he
received the Study Abroad Excellence Award at King’s College in London, where he spent
the spring semester of his junior year.
Regarding his most recent achievement, Anderson said, “It was nice to be nominated.
I was really surprised at first and then I became strangely reflective. It makes me
realize how much I have done.”
