University of Illinois Springfield students earned the Outstanding Large Delegation award at the Model Illinois Government (MIG) simulation, held March 5-8 at the Illinois State Capitol in Springfield. It marks the seventh time in the past 13 years that UIS has received the honor.

UIS students competed against peers from 17 colleges and universities from across Illinois and beyond, including schools from Indiana and Michigan. The simulation allows participants to serve as legislators, staffers, lobbyists, journalists and executive branch officials. Throughout the weekend, UIS students debated legislation, amended bills in committee and ran for election.

“I'm incredibly proud of our students,” said Ken Owen, MIG faculty advisor and associate professor of history. “Students didn't just learn valuable lessons about how government operates. They also strengthened their preparation, public speaking, leadership and teamwork skills while supporting each other throughout the weekend.”

The UIS delegation earned two individual awards during the simulation:

• Isaiah Gauwitz won the Outstanding Member of the Senate award.
• Samuel Moore won the Outstanding Member of Staff award.

UIS students were elected to party leadership positions during the simulation:

• Isaiah Gauwitz was elected Senate majority assistant leader.
• Andy Reed was elected House minority assistant leader.

Four UIS students were elected to the executive board for the 2027 simulation:

• Samuel Moore was elected governor.
• Yash Gajera was elected lieutenant governor.
• John Kennedy was elected president of the Senate.
• Lucas Schilling was elected speaker of the House.

Several UIS students also held leadership roles during this year’s simulation. Fiel Wilson served as governor, Caleb Grover served as secretary of state, John Kennedy served as president of the Senate and Lucas Schilling served as speaker of the House.

MIG members start preparing legislation during the fall term, polish their parliamentary skills and organize their membership into a delegation for the spring conference.