Congratulations to Louwallien Krupa, NLU's 2021 Lincoln Laureate!
Each year, an outstanding senior from each of the four-year degree-granting institutions of higher learning in Illinois is awarded the Abraham Lincoln Civic Engagement Award. The award goes to students who have demonstrated an outstanding aptitude for leadership by exhibiting the virtues of Lincoln himself: courage, empathy, honesty, and integrity. The Governor bestows the awards upon the selected students, who become Student Laureates of the Lincoln Academy of Illinois. In the spirit of Lincoln, Student Laureates are honored for their leadership and service in the pursuit of the betterment of humanity and for overall excellence in curricular and extracurricular activities.
This year’s winner is Louwallien Krupa, a senior in Kendall College taking a degree in Culinary Arts. Here, in her own words, are the considerations and inspirations that led her to pursue the culinary arts at Kendall College at NLU.
Congratulations again to Louwallien!
"My name is Louwallien Krupa and I am currently a student at Kendall College at National Louis University. After moving to the United States from the Philippines, I decided to pursue a career in culinary arts. I grew up trying a variety of foods and flavors which sparked my inspiration in the culinary arts field. Because of this, I decided to take courses that line up with my goal. In 2020, I received my Associates Degree in Culinary Arts Management at Moraine Valley Community College, finishing Cum Laude.
After graduation, I decided to work at the Butterfield Country Club as a line/banquet cook to gain more experience in the field, to learn more from my mentors there, and to improve my skills. In 2021, I decided to pursue culinary arts at Kendall College at National Louis University because I could see how this university would mold me to utilize my full potential.
When I am not in school and work, I enjoy spending my time researching more about cooking techniques, flavors, and different dishes from all over the world. I also like to read books focusing on different aspects of cooking from kneading bread to fermenting kimchi. There are just so many processes in cooking that I would love to learn more about and that is the beauty of it, learning and being able to modify some parts to improve the overall taste of a dish.
Currently, I am finishing my bachelor’s degree while continuing my employment. Both of these things are major aspects in my life that are helping me refine my skills. In a few years, I will be prepared to face the obstacles that come along with my dream to become a chef."
