The year 2023 seems far away but the deadline to nominate an outstanding Redbird for the 2023 Alumni Awards will be here this May.
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 just one award, the program has grown to six award categories. The awards—Distinguished Alumni Award, Outstanding Young Alumni Award, Alumni Achievement Award, E. Burton Mercier Service Award, Andrew Purnell Jr. Trailblazer Award, and the Senator John Maitland Jr. Commitment to Education Award—are presented annually during the Founding Celebration.
The new and improved nomination process is simple with the option for the nominator or nominee to complete the form and also suggest names for letters of recommendation. The deadline to submit for the 2023 awards is May 31, 2022.
Recipients are honored by the association at a recognition ceremony where they have the opportunity to speak and formally accept the award.
Questions can be directed to Jamie Sennett ’99, director of Alumni Engagement.
Meet the 2022 Alumni Award recipients
- Distinguished Alumni Award
Dr. Jenny Pan-Yun Ting ’75 - Alumni Achievement Award
Carl Hulse ’76
Dr. Tom D. Wang ’77 - Senator John W. Maitland Jr. Commitment to Education Award
Ralph E. Grimm ’83, M.S. ’86 - E. Burton Mercier Alumni Service Award
Robert L. Freitag ’84 - Andrew Purnell Jr. Trailblazer Award
James L. Bennett ’87
Tiara M. Tucker ’04, M.S. ’09 - Outstanding Young Alumni Award
Dr. Jennifer J. Parker ’04
Dr. Julie Raeder Schumacher, M.S. ’05, Ed.D. ’09
