Awards

Award and Recognition Programs

University of Illinois Alumni Achievement Award
Established in 1957, this is the highest honor bestowed upon alumni of the University of Illinois by the Alumni Association, on behalf of the University of Illinois.  This award recognizes alumni who have attained outstanding success and national or international distinction in their chosen business, profession or life's work.  Recipients are honored on Commencement Weekend at the UIAA Awards Dinner, the Chancellor’s Dinner, and are part of the Platform Party at Commencement.

University of Illinois Distinguished Service Award
Established in 1972, this award recognizes extraordinary commitment, dedication, and service to the advancement of the University of Illinois.   Alumni, faculty, staff and friends of the University are eligible for this award, which may be given to an individual or a couple.  The Distinguished Service Award recipient is recognized on Commencement Weekend as well. 

University of Illinois Alumni Humanitarian Award
  Established in 2001, this award honors alumni who have made significant contributions to the welfare of humanity through volunteer or professional leadership.  The Humanitarian Award recipient is honored at the same Commencement Weekend events as the Alumni Achievement Award and Distinguished Service Award recipients.

University of Illinois Constituent Leadership Award
Established in 1984, this award recognizes alumni who have demonstrated extraordinary leadership and/or special efforts in the organization, management and support of a college, school or department alumni association. Up to two awardees per year may be selected from each campus.  The award is presented at a UIAA event or a college/department event.

Lou Liay Spirit Award for Extraordinary Alumni Service>
Established in 1997, this award is named after Lou Liay who served as UIAA Executive Director from 1983-1998.  The award recognizes alumni for extraordinary loyalty, commitment, dedication and service to their Alma Mater.  This award is considered the “king” of Loyalty Awards.  The award is presented at Homecoming or another designated venue. 

University of Illinois Loyalty Award for Exceptional Alumni Service
Established in 1957, this award honors alumni who have demonstrated significant dedication and service to the UIAA for the advancement of their Alma Mater.  Up to 12 Loyalty Awards may be presented each year on each of the three campuses.  The Illinois Loyalty Award is the “entry level” for campus-wide recognition of alumni.

UI Alumni Association Recognition Program

Illini Comeback Program
Each year since 1980, the Student Alumni Ambassadors of the University of Illinois Alumni Association invite a group of distinguished alumni back to the campus to participate in traditional activities such as the Homecoming Parade and Pep Rally. These alumni honorees also interact with current students and talk about their professional experiences since leaving their Alma Mater. Illini Comeback guests are also invited to President and Chancellor events during Homecoming Weekend.

Alumni Awards Co-sponsored by the UI Alumni Association

Chicago Illini of the Year Award
Established in 1997, this award recognizes the accomplishments of Chicago-area graduates of the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign.  Up to three distinguished alumni who live and work in Chicago or one of its suburbs are honored each year. Recipients are honored each year at a gala dinner in downtown Chicago. This award is co-sponsored by the Chicago Illini Club.

Madhuri and Jagdish N. Sheth International Alumni Award for Exceptional Achievement
Established in 2000, this award recognizes international alumni who are highly distinguished in their profession, either internationally or nationally in their own country; who have helped their nation or the world by outstanding contributions to government, humanity, science, art, or human welfare; and who exemplify the strength of their education at the University of Illinois.   This award is co-sponsored by the Office of the Chancellor, the Office of International Programs and Studies and the University of Illinois Alumni Association.