Purpose 

Established in 2001, this honor is bestowed upon alumni of the University of Illinois of each respective University. The award is presented to those alumni who, through their outstanding involvement and dedication, have made a significant contribution of leadership or service which has improved or enriched the lives of others and the welfare of humanity, and whose accomplishments reflect admirably on, or bring honor to, their alma mater.

All recipients must be nominated for the honor. The Awards and Recognition Committee may select one recipient per year but need not confer the award every year. This award will be presented at an appropriate University related event. Should the committee determine the nominee would be more appropriately honored by means of a different award, it reserves the right to consider each nominee for other, more suitable recognition.

Criteria

• Nomination is required. Nominees must be living at the time of their nomination. Nominations will be considered active for five years.
• Nominee must hold an earned degree from the University of Illinois.
• Nominee must be an individual who is highly distinguished for his/her humanitarian contributions to society in his/her chosen business, profession or philanthropic life’s work.
• Nominee must be a person of such stature, demonstrated ability and renown that alumni, students, faculty and staff of the University of Illinois will take pride in and be inspired by his/her recognition.
• Nominee must be an individual who, in deed or action, reflects the importance of his/her education at the University of Illinois.
• Previous recipients are not eligible for reconsideration.
• Current members of the University of Illinois Board of Trustees; UIAA Board of Directors; the UIS Alumni Board; the Awards and Recognition Committee; and relatives, employers or employees thereof are not eligible for consideration.
• Current faculty, staff and other employees of the University of Illinois 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 awarded 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.

Please be advised: Should the committee determine the nominee would be more appropriately honored by means of a different award, the committee reserves the right to consider each nominee for other, more suitable recognition.

If you have questions, feel free to contact us at advancement@uis.edu or by phone at 217-206-6058.

Alumni Humanitarian Award Past Recipients