2008 Woodie Awards
Leadership program celebrates with Abraham Lincoln
Melinda Christensen
Issue date: 3/28/07 Section: Life
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To celebrate its Tenth Annual ISU Leadership Symposium, the Leadership Program hosted a one-man play honoring Abraham Lincoln's life. "An Evening with Abraham Lincoln," not only kept the audience enthralled, but also offered words to live by.
Jim Fullerton, President of the Leadership Program, started off the evening by welcoming the audience. Fullerton briefly highlighted Lincoln's life, invited the audience to move closer to the stage, and introduced Abraham Lincoln- or so you would think.
"Hail to the Chief" rang out as the imposing figure of Abraham Lincoln entered the stage. With only a large, stately chair accented by an American flag, the presidential figure took center stage and captivated the audience. "Who says history doesn't repeat itself," remarked Abraham Lincoln before diving into eerie similarities between his own assassination and John F. Kennedy's. Nearly a century stands between the two assassinations, but both share commonalities. To list a few of the similarities: both men were assassinated on Fridays, both men were seated beside their wives at the time, both men were shot from behind, both were succeeded by a southern Democratic male with the last name Johnson, and Kennedy was riding in a Lincoln at the time. "After all," continued the former president presenting a famous quote, "the only thing in the world is history you don't know."
The play was just beginning, and before the evening ended Lincoln offered both poetry and broad encompassing lessons on history and life infused with wit and humor. Covering topics ranging from depression to diversity and success, Lincoln made his way through a twisting and intricate journey that mirrored his life making his stories and advice palatable and enjoyable. History and learning are rarely this lively or intriguing, and the speechless audience attested to this rare occasion (not even a ring-tone was heard).
The play concluded with Lincoln reciting his Gettysburg Address, explaining its significance, and recounting his final moments in life.
Jim Fullerton, President of the Leadership Program, started off the evening by welcoming the audience. Fullerton briefly highlighted Lincoln's life, invited the audience to move closer to the stage, and introduced Abraham Lincoln- or so you would think.
"Hail to the Chief" rang out as the imposing figure of Abraham Lincoln entered the stage. With only a large, stately chair accented by an American flag, the presidential figure took center stage and captivated the audience. "Who says history doesn't repeat itself," remarked Abraham Lincoln before diving into eerie similarities between his own assassination and John F. Kennedy's. Nearly a century stands between the two assassinations, but both share commonalities. To list a few of the similarities: both men were assassinated on Fridays, both men were seated beside their wives at the time, both men were shot from behind, both were succeeded by a southern Democratic male with the last name Johnson, and Kennedy was riding in a Lincoln at the time. "After all," continued the former president presenting a famous quote, "the only thing in the world is history you don't know."
The play was just beginning, and before the evening ended Lincoln offered both poetry and broad encompassing lessons on history and life infused with wit and humor. Covering topics ranging from depression to diversity and success, Lincoln made his way through a twisting and intricate journey that mirrored his life making his stories and advice palatable and enjoyable. History and learning are rarely this lively or intriguing, and the speechless audience attested to this rare occasion (not even a ring-tone was heard).
The play concluded with Lincoln reciting his Gettysburg Address, explaining its significance, and recounting his final moments in life.
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