Southern Illinois University Carbondale is now accepting nominations for its prestigious honorary degrees and distinguished service awards, to be presented at the May 2025 commencement ceremonies. These awards recognize individuals who have made outstanding scholarly contributions, achieved considerable renown in their respective fields, or have significantly contributed to society in ways that have uniquely benefited human well-being.
Honorary degrees are awarded to those who have demonstrated exceptional achievement in any field of activity, whether through scholarly work, creative endeavors, or other notable accomplishments. These degrees highlight individuals whose work has had a profound impact on their discipline or on society at large.
The Distinguished Service Awards, on the other hand, honor those who have made significant contributions to Southern Illinois, the state, the nation, the world, or directly to the university. These awards recognize service that has brought tangible benefits and recognition to these areas. Importantly, current university employees will not be considered for a service award in the year they retire, though they may be eligible either before or after that year.
Nominations must include a two- to three-page resume, curriculum vita, or biographic sketch detailing the nominee’s contributions and achievements. All nomination submissions are kept confidential.
Completed nominations should be directed to Courtney Crafton at the Office of the Chancellor-Events and Outreach. For further details and inquiries, interested parties can visit the university events website or contact Sarah VanVooren, the director of Events and Outreach.
The deadline for nominations is October 16, 2024, and this opportunity is open to both the Carbondale campus and the SIU School of Medicine in Springfield.