The University of Illinois Springfield has released the names of the 2026 class of the Promising Prairie Star Recognition Program. This program, established by the Young Alumni Committee, honors outstanding graduates under the age of 40 or those who have graduated within the previous five years. The honorees are selected for their emerging and unique innovation, creativity and success in their chosen career or life's work.

Hometown: Mason City, IL

Current Location: Athens, IL

Hometown: Clarendon Hills, IL

Current Location: Washington DC

Hometown: Kansas City, MO

Current Location: Springfield, IL

Hometown: Bensenville, IL

Current Location: Chicago, IL

Hometown: Vijayawada, Andhra Pradesh, India

Current Location: St. Louis, MO

Hometown: Springfield, IL

Current Location: Jacksonville, IL

Hometown: Springfield, IL

Current Location: Milwaukee, WI

Hometown: Springfield, IL

Current Location: Houston, TX

Hometown: Sterling, IL

Current Location: Springfield, IL