Purpose

The Alumni Achievement Award is the highest honor bestowed upon alumni of the University, recognizing individuals who have attained outstanding success and whose national or international distinction in their chosen profession or life’s work demonstrates the value of a UIS degree across a lifetime.

Stewardship & Donor Relations

At the University of Illinois Springfield (UIS), Stewardship and Donor Relations play a pivotal role in creating and cultivating lasting connections between the institution, its students, and its generous supporters. UIS strives to ensure all donors feel valued and engaged at every step of their philanthropic journey. Through personalized communication, recognition events, and meaningful stewardship initiatives, UIS fosters a culture of appreciation, service, and support.

Faculty and Staff Campaign

Each year, the Faculty and Staff Campaign encourages all UIS employees to make a gift to UIS during the current fiscal year. Gifts of any amount, to any area of UIS, “count” as part of the campaign. Special efforts are carried out in March to raise awareness and have fun while promoting employee giving. To answer questions and provide encouragement to give, each unit on campus has a Faculty and Staff Campaign ambassador.

Alumni Resources are available to all alumni. With more than 44,000 members, the global UIS Alumni family has shared experiences and pride in the University of Illinois Springfield and its predecessor, Sangamon State University. We strive to provide our alumni with not only a strong network, but also helpful resources to continually support them throughout their lives and careers.

Honoring Exceptional UIS Alumni

The UIS Alumni Association is proud to recognize alumni who embody the mission and vision of the University through their extraordinary achievement, service and impact. Award nominations are accepted on a rolling basis. Unless otherwise noted in awards criteria, nominations are considered “active and in good standing” for five years. The annual public call for nominations includes the nomination deadline for a specific awards presentation cycle.   

At UIS, leadership is woven into the curriculum and into the rich abundance of opportunities that students have to shape their college experience. We define leadership, not with titles, but by initiative and ideas. Both faculty and students leave their mark through research and scholarship, building new traditions, and connecting with the community, early and often. The result? Thousands of graduates making a difference in the world.

The UIS Alumni Board serves as a voice for alumni. Volunteer leaders provide guidance on how the university can continue to engage and serve its alumni, while also serving as ambassadors and advocates for UIS in their communities.

Description of Responsibilities

The purpose of the UIS Alumni Board is to provide the volunteer leadership necessary to advance the alumni engagement program of UIS as empowered and guided by goals, objectives, mission and vision of the Board and University. 

Regional Events

Unite with community! Alumni events are held across the country. As our alumni community grows and changes we hope to cater to their desire to interact and celebrate lasting relationships. Visit our events page to find an event coming to a city near you!

Alumni Gala

The UIS Alumni Gala is an annual event that celebrates achievement and service by the University community. Each year alumni and friends are recognized for their contributions to the university, their community and the world.

2025 Alumni Gala

The 2025 Alumni Gala was held on September 20, 2025 at the UIS Student Union Ballroom.