Connie Link Outstanding Mentorship Award

The Connie Link Outstanding Mentorship Award is named in memory of long-standing member and past president Connie Link The award is given to a teacher currently teaching (or retired) in Illinois who has taught speech, theatre, and/or English for a significant length of time (10 years or more). The qualifications for this award include distinguished service to the association and outstanding achievement in the profession, especially in mentorship of teachers and/or speech/theatre coaches and directors. This award recognizes outstanding mentorship toward new and current ICTA members, assistance in recruitment of new members to the organization and outreach to past ICTA members who are no longer active in the organization. The award recipient must have been an active member of ICTA for at least 5 years.

2024 Connie Link Outstanding Mentorship Award Winner

Lauren Morgan, College of DuPage

Lauren Morgan’s journey as a communication educator is a story of passion, mentorship, and dedication. With degrees in English Education and Speech Communication from Illinois State University, Lauren spent 36 years teaching Speech and English across Illinois, before landing at the College of DuPage in 1997. Inspired by her own mentors—Connie Link, Elighie Wilson, Jan Heiteen, and others—Lauren made it her mission to guide students with the same commitment and care she received. She didn’t just teach; she ignited curiosity and fostered connections in every classroom she entered. From Honors classes to service learning, and from civic engagement to learning communities, Lauren’s impact reached far beyond traditional education.

But it didn’t stop there. Lauren poured her energy into mentoring students in Forensics, and even co-founded a High School Speech Camp at COD, ensuring that future generations had the tools to find their voice. Even in retirement, Lauren’s dedication to teaching and mentorship hasn’t waned. She’s now a Fearless Living coach, chairs the ICTA Advocacy Committee, serves her community, and is diving into yoga teacher training.

For Lauren, the most meaningful recognition came with the Connie Link Mentorship Award. Reflecting on her career, she said, “While student teaching with Connie, I set an intention to mentor others as Connie mentored me. I’m most proud of the students who are now teaching and coaching. With this recognition, I believe I’ve fulfilled my intention and honored Connie.”

Lauren’s legacy is one of fierce dedication, inspired mentorship, and a love for teaching that continues to shape the lives of those she’s touched.