2026 LLAA Awards

Purpose

The LLAA Awards Program recognizes individuals who reflect the mission of LLAA through leadership, service, and impact.

The program highlights alumni and members who:

• Strengthens, encourages, or demonstrates allyship within the Latina/Latino community
• Support student success and access
• Advance professional excellence
• Build meaningful connections with the University of Illinois

General Eligibility

• Nominees must be alumni of the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign
• Preference is given to Latina/Latino alumni
• Non-Latina/Latino nominees qualify if their work impacts Latina/Latino communities
• Nominees must demonstrate alignment with LLAA’s mission and values

Selection Process

• Nominations are submitted by LLAA members (Alumni from the University of Illinois)
• A Selection Committee reviews all applications
• The committee evaluates based on impact, leadership, and service
• The committee may choose not to award in any category in a given year

Nomination Terms and Conditions

Submission of a nomination constitutes acknowledgment and acceptance of the LLAA Awards process. By submitting and accepting the nomination, nominators and nominees agree that all award decisions are final and made solely at the discretion of the LLAA Selection Committee and, where applicable, the President.

All evaluations are based exclusively on the materials provided within the nomination application. External influence, advocacy, or attempts to exert pressure on LLAA leadership, committee members, or affiliated parties will not be considered and may result in disqualification.

By participating in the process, all parties agree to uphold the integrity of the awards and to refrain from any actions that could harm the reputation, operations, or standing of LLAA or those involved in the selection process.

The Alumni Achievement Award recognizes an alumnus who has attained a high level of professional success while demonstrating a strong commitment to impact beyond personal advancement. Recipients embody leadership, discipline, and purpose in their respective fields, using their influence to uplift others and create pathways for future generations. Their accomplishments reflect both individual excellence and a broader contribution to their profession, community, or the University of Illinois.

Criteria

• Demonstrated career achievement in their field
• Evidence of leadership and influence
• Contributions that benefit their profession, community, or the University
• Clear impact at the local, state, national, or global level

The Alumni Educator Award honors an alumnus who has made meaningful contributions to the field of education through teaching, leadership, or advocacy. Recipients demonstrate a deep commitment to student success and equitable access to education. Their work creates supportive and inclusive learning environments, while advancing opportunities for students—particularly those from underserved communities—to thrive academically and personally.

Criteria

• Proven contributions in K-12, higher education, or educational leadership
• Commitment to student success and access
• Efforts to support Latina/Latino students or underserved communities
• Innovation or leadership within educational spaces

The Veronica Kann Award, named after esteemed La Casa Cultural Latina Assistant Director, honors an educator, faculty member, or staff professional within the University of Illinois System who has demonstrated exceptional dedication to education, student development, and institutional advancement. Recipients exemplify leadership, mentorship, and advocacy that strengthen the educational experience for students, particularly Latina/o and underserved communities. Their work helps foster a more inclusive, supportive, and empowering environment across the University of Illinois System.

Criteria

• Demonstrated contributions within the University of Illinois System as faculty, educator, and staff
• Commitment to student success, mentorship, and educational access
• Advocacy and support for Latina/o students and underserved communities
• Leadership or innovation that strengthens campus climate and inclusion

The Dr. Betoel Escobar Award, named after esteemed Associate Director of The Jeffries Center, honors an educator, faculty member, or staff professional whose service and leadership have made a meaningful impact across the University of Illinois System. Recipients demonstrate a commitment to advancing educational opportunity, supporting student achievement, and building inclusive campus communities. Through mentorship, advocacy, and professional excellence, they contribute to the success and empowerment of Latina/o students and the broader university community.

Criteria

• Demonstrated contributions within the University of Illinois System as faculty, educator, or staff
• Commitment to student success, mentorship, and educational opportunity
• Efforts to support Latina/o students and underserved communities
• Leadership, advocacy, or innovation that improves campus and student experiences

The Global Impact Award recognizes an alumnus whose work has created measurable and lasting change on an international scale. Recipients engage thoughtfully with global challenges and bring forward solutions that improve lives across borders. Their contributions reflect cultural awareness, collaboration, and a commitment to advancing equity and opportunity in diverse communities around the world.

Criteria

• International professional or philanthropic work
• Demonstrated impact across countries or regions
• Leadership in global initiatives or organizations
• Contributions that improve lives or systems internationally

The Arts Achievement Award celebrates an alumnus whose creative work has made a meaningful contribution to the arts. Whether through music, writing, visual arts, performance, or other media, recipients use their craft to tell stories, inspire audiences, and shape cultural dialogue. Their work reflects originality, purpose, and a connection to community, often elevating voices, histories, and perspectives that deserve recognition.

Criteria

• Achievement in fields such as music, writing, visual arts, film, or performance
• Recognition at the local, regional, national, or global level
• Creative work that influences culture or community
• Engagement with or representation of Latina/Latino identity or experiences

The Member of the Year Award recognizes an individual whose dedication to LLAA has gone above and beyond expectations. Recipients demonstrate sustained engagement, leadership, and a willingness to contribute time, energy, and resources to strengthen the organization. Their efforts help build community, expand impact, and create opportunities for others to connect and participate.

Criteria

• Active participation in LLAA events and initiatives
• Demonstrated leadership within the organization
• Significant contribution of time, energy, or resources
• Clear impact on the growth, visibility, or success of LLAA

The Alumni Humanitarian Award honors an alumnus whose service and leadership have significantly improved the lives of others. Recipients are driven by a commitment to addressing real-world challenges and supporting communities in need. Their work reflects compassion, responsibility, and action, resulting in meaningful and lasting change for individuals and communities alike.

Criteria

• Strong record of community service or philanthropy
• Measurable impact on individuals or communities
• Work that addresses social, economic, or educational challenges
• Leadership rooted in service

The Distinguished Service Award recognizes an alumnus who has demonstrated long-standing commitment to serving the University of Illinois or the Latina/Latino community. Recipients contribute their time, expertise, and resources in ways that strengthen institutions and foster growth. Their sustained efforts create a foundation for continued excellence and engagement within the community.

Criteria

• Long-term commitment to service
• Contributions that strengthen institutions or communities
• Leadership through volunteerism or advocacy
• Tangible outcomes from service efforts

The Outstanding Young Alumni Award honors early-career alumni who have already demonstrated exceptional achievement and leadership. Recipients show strong potential through their professional accomplishments, community involvement, and commitment to service. Their work reflects both immediate impact and the promise of continued influence in their field and beyond.

Eligibility

• BS/MS alumni under age 35
• PhD alumni within 15 years of graduation

Criteria

• Early career achievement
• Leadership in a profession or community
• Demonstrated commitment to service
• Evidence of future potential

The Chicago Latino Illini of the Year Award recognizes alumni who live and work in the Chicagoland area and have made a meaningful impact within their local communities. Recipients demonstrate leadership through their professional work and civic engagement, contributing to the strength and visibility of Latina/Latino alumni networks in the region.

Criteria

• Must live or work in Chicago or the surrounding collar counties of Chicago
• Professional achievement within their field
• Engagement with the local community
• Contributions that reflect leadership and service

The Diversity and Inclusion Award honors alumni who actively promote equity, inclusion, and representation in their professional or community work. Recipients lead efforts that create more inclusive environments, challenge systemic barriers, and expand opportunities for underrepresented groups. Their contributions foster understanding, respect, and meaningful change within organizations and communities.

Criteria

• Demonstrated commitment to diversity and inclusion
• Programs, initiatives, or leadership that support underrepresented groups
• Impact within organizations, communities, or institutions
• Ability to foster cross-cultural understanding

The Innovation Award recognizes an alumnus who has made significant contributions in the fields of science, technology, engineering, business, or mathematics. Recipients demonstrate excellence through innovation, research, or applied practice, advancing knowledge and solving complex challenges. In addition to professional achievement, they contribute to expanding access and representation in STEM by mentoring others, supporting educational initiatives, or creating pathways for future leaders in these fields.

Criteria

• Professional achievement in a STEM field
• Contributions to innovation, research, or applied practice
• Efforts to expand access to STEM education or careers
• Mentorship or support of students, especially from underrepresented groups
• Measurable impact within industry, academia, or community

The President’s Award is a discretionary honor presented by the President of LLAA to recognize an individual whose contributions merit special distinction. This award acknowledges leadership, service, or impact that may not fit within traditional categories but reflects a strong alignment with the mission and values of LLAA. Recipients represent a level of influence and commitment that the President deems worthy of recognition.