James Newton Matthews Scholars
In 1996, the University of Illinois embarked on a new scholarship program to recruit the best and brightest students from throughout the state of Illinois and beyond. The James Newton Matthews Scholars Program, named after the very first student admitted to the Illinois Industrial University which later became the University of Illinois, annually awards $2,000 scholarships per student to incoming freshmen who have demonstrated outstanding academic achievement in high school. Scholarship recipients must maintain a cumulative grade point average of 4.4 on a 5.0 scale and progress toward a degree to remain eligible for the scholarship for all four years.
Award Recipients
| School Year | Name | College | Major |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2015-2016 | Nicholas Shapland | Engineering | Computer Science |
| 2011-2015 | Jordan McGinnity Boswell | Business | Marketing & International Business Management |
| 2006-2008 | Elise Beis | Business | Marketing |
| 2005-2009 | Kristen Fleming | LAS | International Studies/French |
| 2001-2004 | Faith (McGuire) Nelson | LAS | Biology |
Excellence in Leadership Award
In 1998, the Chicago Illini Club established the Excellence in Leadership Award, which includes a monetary award funded by the Club's endowment. The Award recognizes a senior student's outstanding leadership qualities and extracurricular involvement.
The nominator(s) are required to answer the following questions:
- Describe in detail how the nominee has made a significant impact on the quality of the campus and/or community life.
- Describe how the nominee's contributions to campus and/or community life demonstrate exceptional leadership.
Award Recipients
| Grad Year | Name | College | Major |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2016 | Nicholas Tarleton | ACES | Food Science and Human Nutrition |
| 2014 | Dana Edwards | Engineering | Civil Engineering |
| 2013 | Dana Edwards | Applied Health Sciences | Recreation, Sport, and Tourism |
| 2012 | Kenneth Thompson | LAS | Aerospace Engineering |
| 2011 | Stephanie Baker | Engineering | Business Administration |
| 2010 | Bryan Kapicka | LAS/Engineering | Mathematics/General Engineering |
| 2009 | Sara Losh | LAS | English |
| 2008 | Laura Gangichiodo | Education | Special Education |
| 2007 | Daniel Mollison | LAS | English |
| 2006 | Victor Benitez | LAS | English |
| 2005 | Paula DeAnda | LAS | Mathematics |
| 2004 | Adam Morris | LAS | Psychology |
| 2003 | Keely Stewart | LAS | Political Science |
| 2002 | Mario Peraza | LAS | Chemistry |
| 2001 | Tiana Dunlap | LAS | Biology |
| 2000 | Jason Abel | LAS | Political Science |
| 1999 | Sara Thompson | Business | Psychology |
| 1998 | Corey Flournoy | ACES | Agricultural Economics |
2016 Excellence in Leadership Award winner Nicholas Tarleton