Illinois Lincoln Series History

The Excellence in Public Service Series was organized in Illinois in 1994 by Mary Jo Arndt and the Illinois Committeewoman's Roundtable, and the Illinois Federation of Republican Women's unit club. The program is endorsed by the Republican National Committee and the Illinois Republican Party. Initial funding was provided by the Roundtable and the Phoebe H. Dutcher Memorial.

The Illinois Lincoln Excellence in Public Service Series, Inc., is a Republican political education 527 organization registered in the State of Illinois.

Since 1995, the Illinois Lincoln Series has awarded a maximum of 15 fellowships each year. Fellows pledge to seek a policy-making position in government or in the Republican Party within five years and to help other women achieve like positions.

Fellowship winners are selected from a statewide field of applicants who have demonstrated leadership skills in their chosen fields of work or in service to their community. All must display a commitment to achieving the full participation of women in politics and government and must be able to confirm loyalty to Republican Party.

The Excellence in Public Service Series serves as a springboard for graduates to achieve new levels of personal achievement and public involvement.

Fellowship applications are submitted in July. Finalists are personally interviewed, and each year's class is announced in August.

The Illinois Excellence in Public Service Series has been managed by Governors volunteering their time through 1997. In 1998, the Board retained a part-time Executive Director.