Annual Celebration of Excellence highlights student and faculty achievements

Illinois College commemorated academic accomplishments during its tenth annual Celebration of Excellence on Friday, April 17. Throughout the day, students and faculty engaged in various activities celebrating academic achievements.

The Honors Convocation, held in Sherman Gymnasium at the Bruner Fitness and Recreation Center, marked the ceremonial highlight of the day. Provost Catharine O'Connell delivered opening remarks. Subsequently, five significant awards recognizing academic excellence, service and teaching were conferred upon outstanding Illinois College students and faculty members. Additionally, the event included the announcement of student marshals for the upcoming academic year, recognition of Phi Beta Kappa inductees, and announced the winners of the Julian Monson Sturtevant Campus Leadership Award, the Harry Joy Dunbaugh Distinguished Professor Award, and the Don P. Filson Faculty Award for Vision for the Future.

Takako Soma, associate professor of computer science, was honored with the esteemed Harry Joy Dunbaugh Distinguished Professor Award, an accolade considered the highest recognition for a faculty member at Illinois College. The recipient of this award, chosen annually by a student committee under the dean's supervision, is not announced until the Honors Convocation.

Ella Ausmus '27 and Evan Cooper '27 were appointed as student marshals for the forthcoming academic year, a distinction reserved for individuals who exhibit exceptional academic achievement and campus leadership.

Illinois College's Epsilon chapter of Phi Beta Kappa, founded by Charles Rammelkamp in 1931, welcomed new inductees: Miranda Araujo '26, Glenn Conway '26, Nicholas Doroskin '26, Beamlak Tesfaye Hiltework '26, Payton Richard Johnson '26, Ryan Kuchar '26, Haydn Leonard '26, Peyton Merreighn '26 and Kahli O'Neal '26.

The Julian M. Sturtevant Campus Leadership and Service Award recognized students who demonstrated outstanding service and leadership throughout their time on campus. Among the honorees were Miranda Araujo '26, Jiech Bel '26, Megan Doolittle '26, Nicholas Doroskin '26, Bobby Driver '26, Emily Guest '26, Aaron McBride '26, Jayln Patterson '26, Jacob Petrovich '26, Roxann Richardson '26, Lamarrio (Deon) Rodgers '26 and Anita Shibu '26.

The Don P. Filson Faculty Award for Vision for the Future was awarded to Alex Moore, assistant professor of psychology, and Angela Bentley, assistant professor of nursing and administrative specialist. This honor is awarded to faculty members who see beyond the scope of the status quo to further develop or implement a vision which can move the college forward. This faculty award was established by 1970 Illinois College graduate Darlene Nelson '70 in memory of Dr. Filson's vision for Illinois College to have a computer science department.

Adam Jones, associate professor of communication and rhetorical studies, was the recipient of the Enkyklios Award for their collaboration on a BreakAway to Cuba. Recipients of this award are recognized for their exceptional performance in teaching, professional engagement, and service, exemplifying excellence across these areas within a single year.

The Celebration of Excellence also showcased student presentations on recent research endeavors and achievements spanning various disciplines in the liberal arts. For additional photographs from the event, visit the Illinois College Facebook page.