Individual Awards

Each year Student Activities recognizes Illinois State students, registered student organizations, and advisors for excellence in student involvement. Award applications open in February 2023.

Ritamae Carroll Memorial First-Year Involvement Award

This award recognizes a student (freshman or transfer) who in their first year at Illinois State University has become an active member of the campus community while maintaining good academic standing. The recipient of this endowed award receives a recognition plaque and a monetary award.

Mike Schermer Outstanding Student Leader Award

This award recognizes outstanding contributions to the Illinois State University community. This student exemplifies leadership and excellence through their service and dedication to the student body, demonstrated through a willingness and ability to work with others in an effort to better the quality of student life for all. The individual shows the ability to achieve and excel and seeks to improve and make changes not only for oneself but for the benefit of peers. The student accepts challenges and in turn challenges others. This individual's achievements are not measured solely by successes but also through failures where the student has shown growth. This outstanding student leader is an asset not only to organizations or departments, but to the University as a whole. The recipient of this endowed award receives a recognition plaque and a monetary award.

Billy Quigley Leader in Action Award

William “Billy” Quigley Jr. was a dedicated student leader at Illinois State University at the time of his death on November 26, 2008, as a result of an automobile accident. This award honors student leaders at Illinois State in honor of Billy’s enthusiasm, dedication, and pride. The student should demonstrate the ability to support and motivate fellow students to take specific action causing personal and/or group growth and development. This student should have a history of guiding fellow students through individual mentoring and supportive behavior and should demonstrate a passion for creating targeted social change at Illinois State University. The recipient of this endowed award receives a recognition plaque and a monetary award.

Registered Student Organization Advisor of the Year

This award was developed to honor those advisors who contribute their time, energy, and dedication to registered student organizations at Illinois State University. It recognizes that without the support and knowledge of advisors, the accomplishments and advancements of our student organizations would not be possible. The recipient of this award receives a recognition plaque.

Learn more about our awards for Registered Student Organizations.