Purpose

Established in 1972, this honor has been bestowed upon alumni, faculty, staff or friends of the University of Illinois by the University of Illinois. The honor is given to those individuals who have consistently demonstrated extraordinary commitment, dedication and service to the advancement of the University of Illinois.

Criteria

  • Nomination is required. Nominees must be living at the time of their nomination. Nominations will be considered active for three years.
  • Nominee must be an individual or couple who, in deed or action, reflects and recognizes the importance of an education at the University of Illinois; who demonstrates pride in the University of Illinois; and whose extraordinary commitment, dedication and service have significantly advanced the University.
  • Nominee must be an individual or couple in whom alumni, students, faculty and staff of the University of Illinois will take pride and be inspired by this recognition.
  • Previous recipients are not eligible for reconsideration.
  • Current members of the University of Illinois Board of Trustees; the UIAA Board of Directors; the Alumni Association Awards and Recognition Committee; the Campus Alumni Advisory Board; and relatives, employers or employees thereof are not eligible for consideration.
  • Persons currently holding or running for elected state or federal public office in Illinois are not eligible for consideration.
  • The award may not be conferred in absentia; however, it may be granted posthumously.

Nominate Deserving Alumni Today

Recipients must be nominated for the award. Working from these nominations, the Alumni Association Awards and Recognition Committee will select the recipients. The awards will be presented at Commencement or an Alumni Association event. Please complete this online form to submit a nomination.


Distinguished Service Award Past Recipients

2024
Dr. Karen R. Moranski

2023
Harry J. Berman
Provost Emeritus

2022
Donovan Pepper
'94 CPAE, MA '96 CPAE

2021
Dr. Naomi B. Lynn
Chancellor Emerita

2020
Dr. Janice Spears
'73 CLASS, MA '74 CLASS, MA '81 CPAE

2019
Dr. Larry Golden
Professor Emeritus

2018
Mary Mitchell Beaumont
MA '89 CPAE

2016
Cheryl Peck
'86 CLASS, MA '89 CLASS

2015
Dr. Delinda Chapman
MA '74 CPAE

2014
Julie Kellner, '86 CBM
William Kellner

2013
Charles Schweighauser
Professor Emeritus

2012
Randall F. Witter
MPA '82 CPAE

2011
Ray Schroeder
Gail Schroeder

2010
Judith E. Everson
Professor Emerita

2009
Helen Jane Dunn
MA '72 CLASS

2008
Shelley J. Hoffman
'82 CBM

2007
Karen Hasra
'72 CLASS, MA '92 CPAE

2006
Cullom Davis
MA '61 CLASS, PhD '69 CLASS

2005
Mary Rechner
'98 CBM

2004
Pamela L. McClelland
'90 CBM, MA '95 CBM