Gies awarded Illinois’ highest recognition for professional achievement and public service

Lincoln Academy of Illinois has named Larry Gies a 2026 Lincoln Laureate. The honor is part of the Order of Lincoln, Illinois’ highest recognition for professional achievement and public service. Established in 1964, the Order of Lincoln is awarded annually to a small group of Illinoisans whose leadership, accomplishments, and service have made an extraordinary impact on the state, the nation, and the world.

Each year, the Lincoln Academy selects laureates from a wide range of fields including business, public service, education, philanthropy, journalism, and civil rights. The 2026 class includes Larry Gies; Valerie Jarrett, former senior advisor to President Obama and CEO of the Obama Foundation; Blair Kamin, longtime architecture critic for the Chicago Tribune; Reginald Petty, educator, historian, and civil rights leader; and Jesse White, Illinois’ longest-serving Secretary of State.

Larry is being recognized for his leadership in building Madison Industries into one of the world’s largest privately held companies, as well as for his philanthropic support of education and opportunity throughout Illinois. The Academy cited his entrepreneurial vision, innovative thinking, and commitment to using business as a force for good. It also highlighted his transformational support for institutions including the Gies College of Business, Gies Memorial Stadium, Northwestern University, and the Chicago Jesuit Academy.

Press release: https://gov-pritzker-newsroom.prezly.com/gov-pritzker-announces-the-2026-order-of-lincoln-recipients