Larry Gies Set to be Honored with the Order of Lincoln Award in 2026

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SPRINGFIELD, Ill. — In the upcoming Spring of 2026, Larry Gies will stand among a select group of five individuals to receive a distinguished honor from the State of Illinois, as announced by Governor JB Pritzker.

Governor Pritzker, through a recent press release, revealed the names of those who will be awarded the Order of Lincoln in 2026. This accolade is the state’s most esteemed recognition for exceptional professional achievements and contributions to public service. Since its inception in 1964, the Order of Lincoln has celebrated individuals whose remarkable efforts have significantly benefitted humanity within Illinois or in its name.

Returning to Champaign in 2026, Ebertfest is set to host its final edition, adding to the cultural milestones of the year.

“The 2026 Lincoln Laureates have shown extraordinary commitment to enhancing the lives of their fellow citizens in Illinois and across the nation,” Pritzker stated. “Their achievements span vital fields such as education, civil rights, public policy, philanthropy, and business, offering a legacy of leadership, innovation, and empathy.”

Larry Gies, a notable figure at the University of Illinois and a dedicated benefactor, is being honored for his exceptional talent in transforming visionary concepts into tangible, impactful initiatives that resonate both within Illinois and on a wider scale.

Gies graduated from the U of I and Northwestern’s Kellogg School of Management. The U of I is home to both the Gies College of Business and Gies Memorial Stadium, named in recognition of his gifts to both the business school and athletics at the university.

He also contributed to Northwestern and established the Gies Campus of the Chicago Jesuit Academy, a tuition-free school for students on Chicago’s West Side.

“He is known for his entrepreneurial spirit, innovative thinking, and philanthropic leadership, utilizing his resources as a positive force in the world,” part of the release reads.

Other recipients of the 2026 Order of Lincoln include:

Valerie Jarrett — civic leader, lawyer, New York Times best-selling author and political advisor
Blair Kamin — expert architectural columnist, lecturer and author
Reginald Petty — educator, civil-rights activist and historian
Jesse White — Illinois’ 37th Secretary of State from 1999 to 2023

The Order of Lincoln will be awarded on April 11 during a ceremony to be livestreamed on Facebook and YouTube. A ticketed reception and dinner will immediately follow; tickets must be purchased in advance through the Lincoln Academy website.

For more information or to attend the upcoming gala, contact Executive Director Leanne Barnhart at 217-493-0047 or click here.