CHAMPAIGN, Ill. - Laurie Kramer, an associate dean in the College of Agricultural, Consumer and Environmental Sciences at the University of Illinois, has been named the recipient of the 2013 Medallion of Honor Award, given by the Moms Association at the U. of I.
Kramer, a professor of applied family studies in the department of human and community development, will be honored at the association's annual board meeting on April 13 at the Illini Union, 1401 W. Green St., Urbana.
As the associate dean for academic programs, Kramer is responsible for providing undergraduates with the best overall college experience possible through increasing scholarship support for students, augmenting international programs and providing oversight and leadership for support and recognition of undergraduate academic advising.
Kramer also is a co-adviser of the ACES Council, comprising leaders from various registered student organizations within the college.
She was the founding director of the Family Resiliency Center and the Pampered Chef Family Resiliency Program at Illinois, which aim to enhance the well-being of children, youth and families through multidisciplinary education, research and outreach.
Kramer is a member of the American Psychological Association, the National Council of Family Relations, the American Association of Marriage Therapists and the Society of Research in Child Development.
She earned a bachelor's degree from the State University of New York at Stony Brook, a master's from Long Island University, both in psychology, and a doctorate in clinical psychology from the U. of I.
The Medallion of Honor award was created in 1966 to pay tribute to people who, by example and service, have used their talents to enrich the lives of others. Two men and eight women were honored between 1966 and 1976. Since 1977, this award has been given to a woman affiliated in some way with the U. of I.
The Moms Association, established at the U. of I. in 1923, is believed to be one of the nation's oldest parent organizations. The association supports programs, services and activities that promote the health, safety and well-being of the university community and serves as a parent liaison to the campus.