The University of Illinois Springfield presented alumni and service awards during the annual Alumni Gala at the Student Union on Sept. 20. The event recognized four distinguished individuals for their professional achievements, service to the university and contributions to society.
The Alumni Achievement Award, honoring outstanding success and distinction in one’s profession or life’s work, was presented to retired Illinois Supreme Court Justice Robert L. Carter. A graduate of one of the earliest classes at Sangamon State University (now UIS), Carter earned degrees from both UIS and the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign.
His judicial career spanned more than 43 years, during which he served as a circuit judge, chief circuit judge, appellate judge and ultimately as a Supreme Court justice before retiring in 2022. He was elected chair of the Conference of Chief Judges three times. Carter is the only Illinois Supreme Court justice to have served in the Vietnam War, where he earned the Army Commendation Medal.
He holds both a bachelor’s degree and law degree from the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign and a master’s degree in public administration from UIS.
The Distinguished Service Award, recognizing extraordinary service to the University of Illinois, was awarded to Joyce A. Nardulli. Nardulli has contributed more than 25 years of volunteer leadership at UIS. Her contributions include serving as an on-air personality for NPR Illinois pledge drives, mentoring more than a dozen student interns and speaking at three commencements. She also served in alumni leadership, including as chair of the UIS Alumni Board during the transition following the Sangamon State University–University of Illinois merger and later as a UIS representative on the University of Illinois Alumni Association board.
Her involvement continues through the Illinois Connection Advocacy Network and philanthropic support to the UI Foundation for initiatives including the Illinois Innocence Project, Visionary Giving Circle, Friends of WILL, NPR Illinois Fund and Friends of the UIS Performing Arts Center. Along with her husband, Steve, she supports UIS cultural and civic programs. Nardulli earned her bachelor’s degree in communications from UIS.
The Alumni Humanitarian Award, recognizing significant contributions in leadership or service that improve or enrich the lives of others, was presented to Tami S. Silverman. Raised in a family of educators, Silverman has dedicated her career to leadership roles that support children and families. She is president and CEO of the Indiana Youth Institute, where she has overseen more than $150 million in initiatives to strengthen organizations serving children and youth.
Silverman serves on the Annie E. Casey Foundation KIDS COUNT National Steering Committee, the Girls Inc. National Scholarship Committee, the Indiana Mental Health Roundtable and the Indiana University Lilly Family School of Philanthropy Advisory Board. She is a member of the Presidential Leadership Scholars Program Class of 2020.
Before joining IYI, she spent 13 years as CEO of Sojourn Shelter & Services in Springfield, managing operations, finances and a large team supporting victims of domestic violence across central Illinois. She earned master’s and doctoral degrees in public administration from UIS.
The UIS Rising Star Alumni Award, recognizing young alumni for innovation and early career success, was awarded to Mallory E. Westcott. A two-sport athlete in basketball and softball, Westcott demonstrated leadership, teamwork and dedication that continue to guide her medical and civic work. Now a nurse practitioner specializing in urology at SIU Medicine, she is known for her compassionate, expert care and is highly respected by colleagues and patients.
Beyond her clinical work, Westcott coaches softball and serves as treasurer of the Illinois Association of Park Districts. She is a former member of the Springfield Park District board and continues to promote health and wellness through volunteer service. Westcott earned her bachelor’s degree in biology from UIS.
Nominations for next year’s alumni award can be made at go.uis.edu/Alumni-Awards.