Mention Michelle Garrison’s name in the art building and you may be swamped with stories of loyalty, dedication and success.

The art education major was named the 2006 winner of the Student Lincoln Laureate Award, which is given to an outstanding senior at each of Illinois’ four-year colleges and universities.

The award requires a rigorous level of dedication, both in and out of school. Qualifications include a minimum grade point average of 3.5, participation in extracurricular activities, examples of leadership abilities and a staff nomination.

Michelle easily met these criteria with a 3.94 GPA.

“Ever since high school Michelle’s been a hard worker; she basically won the top honors at our high school office,” said her brother Kirk Garrison, a freshman at Blackhawk Community College. “She’s always been involved in everything.”

Winning the Student Lincoln Laureate was only a continuation of her successes. The 21-year-old has won several other scholarships and awards throughout her academic career, including NIU’s most prestigious acknowledgment, the University Scholar Award, her freshman year.

“She is very focused and manages her time extremely well,” said Loretta Swanson, an undergraduate adviser for the School of Art.

Michelle, however, attributes her success more to her energy level.

“I think I just have a lot more energy than most people; I don’t seem to get as tired as other people,” Garrison said. “I just have this natural energy and interest. I get really hyper about things I’m involved in; it’s not like work.”

Besides maintaining a rigorous academic schedule and high GPA, Garrison has dedicated most of her undergraduate career to peer advising and volunteer work.

“Michelle is an extremely hard worker and is very focused,” Swanson said. “She identifies needs in her community and then acts to fill those needs.”

After receiving an Undergraduate Special Opportunities in Artistry grant, Michelle initiated an art program for grade-school children in her hometown of Moline.

The students developed their art skills in a four-week class with a hero theme and were able to keep all leftover materials.

What most people immediately notice, however, is Garrison’s humility.

“She was actually pretty shocked when she found out she won,” Kirk said. “I don’t know why but she was worried that she didn’t participate enough in school.”

Swanson, who nominated Garrison for the award, explained Garrison’s reaction.

“In typical Michelle fashion she was very excited, but she takes it all in stride and after she found out she won she also made sure she got to her next class on time,” Swanson said.