Ingrid McCallister made a decision in middle school to obtain perfect attendance until she graduated high school.

Years later, she walked across the stage at high school graduation having not missed one day of school in six years.

This is just one example of how McCallister has always had a passion for school.

She carried this passion into her college career.

Her enthusiasm for education has not gone by unnoticed, which is why Bob Dudolski, director of Greek Life, nominated her for The Lincoln Academy of Illinois Student Laureate Award.

The Lincoln Academy of Illinois honored 46 outstanding senior college students (in Illinois) during the annual Student Laureate Ceremony on Saturday, Oct. 27.

McCallister was the only student chosen from Eastern.

“I was so very honored (to receive the award),” McCallister said. “I am so proud to be a student at Eastern, and exude the pride I have for this university in all of my actions. To be able to represent Eastern as a laureate to The Lincoln Academy of Illinois is an honor I cannot begin to express my thanks for, and especially for Bob Dudolski who was so kind to nominate me – he is truly an exemplary figure for students to look to.”

Dudolski said he was very pleased to learn McCallister was the recipient of the award.

“It is a great honor and it is well deserved by Ingrid for her work here at Eastern Illinois University and the Charleston community,” he said.

Judy Bartholf, executive director of The Lincoln Academy, said the program started in 1955 to honor senior college students for participation in curricular and extracurricular activities.

“It is an absolute honor to award these students,” Bartholf said. “They are the best and brightest across the state of Illinois and needless to say, we are all very proud of them.”

Approximately 50 four-year degree-granting schools participate each year in the ceremony.

The honored students each receive a medallion, The Lincoln Academy certificate of accomplishment and a stipend of $150.

Dudolski said he has seen McCallister in a multitude of student leader roles, especially her efforts to create a strong sense of community among the fraternity and sorority chapters on campus.

He said she continually takes the lead to educate the community on living up to its fraternal values.

“Ingrid’s influence has helped our Greek community get back to our founding principles and the true purpose of belonging to a Greek organization,” Dudolski said.

McCallister, Charleston native, said she chose Eastern because it offers a great experience for anyone “fortunate enough to attend.”

“There are so many opportunities, both curricular and extracurricular, and I believe this is vividly seen by all who visit the university,” she said.

She said the campus community is welcoming, which is important for students and may help with their success in the long run.

Another welcoming factor in McCallister’s decision to choose Eastern may have been the presence of a certain family and consumer sciences professor.

Dr. Pat McCallister, better known as Dr. Mom, is Ingrid’s mother.

Pat said ever since Ingrid started at Eastern she is no longer known as “Dr. Pat McCallister.”

“I have lost my identity –I am Ingrid’s Mom,” she said.

“My license plate, checks, etcetera, all state: “Dr. Mom” because I consider that to be my most important position in life.”

Pat said Ingrid started to display her strong sense of determination at the age of four.

“She was supposed to be in a dance recital and I bought the “expensive” bumblebee recital outfit,” she said. “About one week before, (Ingrid) decided that she would not be in the recital.”

Pat said she tried to encourage her to attend and perform in the recital, but time after time Ingrid’s response was a determined “No!”

“So the night of the recital, she was dressed in the outfit and taken to the recital, with the hopes she might change her mind,” Pat said. “(Ingrid) sat in the audience and when her group came up stage, she sat on the edge of the seat and watched them with earnest and when they were finished, she clapped and smiled with the most vigor.”

At that point, Pat thought Ingrid would never be on stage.

Somewhere that changed.

“She still cheerfully applauds and supports those around her but she now really enjoys leadership when she can make a difference,” Pat said.

Pat said she was honored for Ingrid, and appreciative of the people who took the time to recognize Ingrid’s leadership roles and accomplishments.

“She is not a quitter,” Pat said. “She is always determined, happy and focused. Ingrid was always taught and believes that every person is just as important.”

Executing roles as a leader for many organizations, with a smile on her face, comes naturally to Ingrid.

Dudolski said he is amazed she finds time to accomplish all she participates in.

“The even more amazing thing to me is that she does everything in outstanding performance,” he said. “Her work in any role she takes on has a flare and attention to detail. So, the major impact for me is that she makes every activity that I have been able to work on with her fun and a great success.”

Dudolski said Ingrid has many attributes that have enabled her to develop her own leadership style within the campus community.

He said Ingrid’s passion for her fellow students, schoolwork and sense of leadership goes well beyond expectation, and it is appropriate that she received this award.

Ingrid said after wearing the medallion at commencement, she will use the stipend to have the Certificate of Achievement and medallion framed so she can remember the honor for years to come.

She will graduate in May, and hopes to travel for a year as an Educational Leadership Consultant with Delta Zeta.

Following that, she will pursue a career as a middle school teacher.

Dudolski said Ingrid is “truly EIU” and it would be difficult to compare the support she supplies to the university.

“Her charismatic personality and her sense of concern for others are contagious and it has endeared her to many of her fellow students, faculty and administrators on our campus,” he said.

FACT BOX:

Organizations and accomplishments of Ingrid McCallister

Panhellenic Council President

-Panther Ambassador

-Education Scholars

-Order of Omega

-Gamma Sigma Alpha

-Rho Lambda

-Kappa Delta Pi

Delta Zeta sorority member

-Risk management chair

-ritual chair

-public relations chair

-courtesy chair

-campus tour guide

-student worker for the vice president for external relations

-Panther Prowl leader

-EIU Sorority Initiate of the Year (2006)

-Homecoming Queen (2007)

-Top Ten Greek Women of the Year (2007)

Ingrid McAllister received an award from the Lincoln Academy of Illinois. The Lincoln Academy honored 46 seniors across the state for their curricular and extra curricular activities. Robbie Wroblewski/The Daily Eastern News

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