John Wood student wins 2007 Student Laureate Award

SPRINGFIELD- Bryan D. Schullian from John Wood Community College in Quincy is the community college recipient of the 2007 Student Laureate Award. The Lincoln Academy of Illinois presents this award annually for overall excellence in curricular and extracurricular activities to seniors from the four-year, degree-granting colleges and universities in Illinois and to only one individual  from among all the community colleges (who submit an application) and recommended by the Illinois Community College Board (ICCB).

Schullian has been extensively involved in student leadership at John Wood. He has received recognition and honors for his work in student agricultural programs. Schullian also has served as the State Secretary for the Illinois Association Future Farmers of America. He is a sophomore who maintains a 3.92 grade point average.

"Bryan is exactly the type of individual that our community colleges in Illinois are proud to produce every day," said Guy Alongi, chairman of the ICCB. "We congratulate him and John Wood on this extraordinary honor."

"Community colleges offer exceptional opportunity for growth and achievement and Bryan Schullian is a fine example and role model for every community college student," said Geoffrey Obrzut, president and chief executive officer of the ICCB.

All recipients will be honored at a ceremony to take place on Saturday, October 27 at the Old State Capitol in Springfield. Students receive a Student Laureate Medallion, a certificate of achievement, and a check for $150 to cover travel and other expenses.

The Illinois Community College System is the third largest community college system in the nation and comprises 48 community colleges in 39 districts covering all of Illinois. Illinois community colleges annually serve approximately a million students in college transfer courses, workforce development, continuing education, and adult education programs.

The Illinois Community College Board is the state coordinating board for community colleges. It comprises a chairperson and ten other members appointed by the Governor with the advice and consent of the Senate, and a nonvoting student member appointed by the ICCB Student Advisory Committee.