Alumni Awards
Each year the Illinois State University’s Alumni Association recognizes individuals who personify the University’s tradition as an environment for excellence. Through outstanding achievements and contributions, these individuals bring honor to Illinois State and the Alumni Association. Established in 1971 with one award, the program has grown to six award categories to better recognize the accomplishments of alumni at different stages of their careers.
Alumni Awards 2025 Dinner
Friday, April 25, 2025
Registration is closed.
2024 Alumni Award Winners
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Distinguished Alumni Award
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Alumni Achievement Award
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Senator John W. Maitland Jr., Commitment to Education Award
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E. Burton Mercier Alumni Service Award
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Andrew Purnell Jr. Trailblazer Award
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Outstanding Young Alumni Award
Awards
Presented annually at the Founding Celebration, the awards include the Outstanding Young Alumni Award, Alumni Achievement Award, E. Burton Mercier Service Award, Distinguished Alumnus Award, Senator John Maitland, Jr., Commitment to Education Award, and the Andrew Purnell Jr. Trailblazer Award.
Each award may have up to three recipients annually, except the Distinguished Alumni Award which is only awarded to one individual, who qualifies by having previously won either a Young, Service, Achievement, Trailblazer, or Maitland award, or be a past inductee into an Illinois State college Hall of Fame.
Current active members of a University board are NOT eligible to receive an Alumni Award. They may be nominated once their service to the board expires.
Other Award Opportunities on Campus for Alumni
Did you know there are other award opportunities on campus for alumni? Follow the links below to learn more about the awards each of our colleges are offering.
- Illinois State Athletics Percy Family Hall of Fame
- College of Arts and Sciences Hall of Fame
- College of Applied Science and Technology Hall of Fame
- College of Applied Science and Technology Academy of Achievement
- College of Business Alumni Hall of Fame
- College of Business Early Career Achievement Awards
- College of Education Hall of Fame
- College of Education Outstanding Young Alumni
- Wonsook Kim College of Fine Arts Hall of Fame
- Mennonite College of Nursing Distinguished Alumni Awards
- Mennonite College of Nursing Early Career Achievement Alumni Award
- Steve and Sandi Adams Legacy Hall of Fame