ICCTA's Awards and Scholarships

Click HERE for the list of ICCTA's 2024 award winners

Click HERE for our 2024 Awards Program Booklet

Advocacy Award

The ICCTA Executive Committee created this special award in 2006 to honor dedicated leadership in advocating for the needs of students and the Illinois community college system.

Business/Industry Partnership Award

The Business/Industry Partnership Award recognizes an Illinois business that has built a successful workforce-training alliance with an ICCTA member college.

Nomination deadline: March 28, 2025

Certificate of Merit

The Certificate of Merit is presented to persons (usually former trustees or presidents) who have made a significant contribution to ICCTA, the Illinois system, or an individual member college. Currently serving trustees and presidents are not eligible for nomination.

  • Our 2024 recipients, Dr. Bettsey Barhorst, Dr. Brian Caputo, Dr. Maria Coons, Jerald Hoekstra, Bruce Lauerman, Dr. Jonah Rice, and Dr. David Sam
  • Our 2023 recipients, Dr. Jerry Corcoran, Dr. Sylvia Jenkins, and Richard Roehrkasse
  • Our 2022 recipients, Craig Findley, Dr. Judy Mitchell, Dr. Tom Ramage, and Dr. Christine Sobek
  • Our 2021 recipients, Ed Andersen, Dr. William M. Griffin, Robert Watson, and Robert Wunderlich
  • Our 2019 recipients, Dr. Richard Bodie, Diane Gallagher, and Richard Shorty Dickson
  • Our 2018 recipient, Karen Cotter
  • Our 2017 recipients, Don Brewer, Dick Cheney, Reggie Coleman, Eleanor MacKinney, and Betty Meents
  • Our 2016 receipients, Dr. Alice Marie Jacobs, Jeff May, James Pilmer, and Dr. Gayle Saunders
  • Our 2015 recipients, Guy Alongi, Dr. John Erwin, Alexi Giannoulias, Dr. Joe Kanosky, Dr. Peg Lee, Dr. George Mihel, Tom Pulver, John Sanders, Laurie Stone, Dr. James Underwood, and Robert Urish
  • Our 2014 recipients, Dr. Jack Becherer, Thomas Gary, Mitch Hannahs, Dr. John Letts, Vickie Miller, Dr. Deborah Payne, Emmett Sefton (posthumous), and Hugh Van Voorst
  • Our 2013 recipients, Amy Bliefnick, Ted Biondo, David Carlin, Dr. Robert Ehrich, David LaHood, Carol Larson, Scott Lensink, Larry Littell, John Lumber, Dr. Robert McBride, Irene Moskal Del Giudice, Dr. John OKeefe, Evelyn Phillips, Dr. Eric Radtke, Marvin Scott, Dr. William Simpson, Dennis Thompson, and Barbara Walters
  • Our 2012 recipients, Dr. Vernon Crawley, George Dammer, Dr. Chuck Guengerich, Charley Holstein, Dennis Marek, Dr. Robert Mees, Dr. Larry Peterson, Dr. Gena Proulx (posthumous), Dr. Robert Ritschel, Sam Wolf, and Dr. Frank Zeller
  • Our 2011 recipients, Louise Acree, Steve Ballard, Nancy Clawson, Peg Donohue, Dave Edmison, Mark Fazzini, Dr. Phyllis Folarin, Jerry Hagmeier, Dick Hoffman, John Huston, Steve Kroeger, George Lowe, John McCarthy, James Shaffer, Rev. Albert Tyson, Jim White, and Dr. John Wozniak
  • Our 2010 recipients, Dr. Jon Astroth, Merrill Becker, Dr. Jackie Davis, Harry Hillis, Jr., and Thomas Schmidt
  • Our 2009 recipients, Cindy Brand, Carol Chiligiris, Dr. Ray Cummiskey, James Detzler, Robert Funderburk, Dr. Gene Gardner, Patricia Jones, Dr. Suzanne Juday, Ed Ledvina, Fred Leggett, James Rock, Roger Rutherford, Diane Stredde, Dr. Wayne Watson, and Dave Wilcoxson
  • Our 2008 recipients, Patrick Botterman (posthumous), Dr. Marguerite Boyd, Tim Dudley, Zerrie Campbell, Dr. Larry Choate, Mark Kern, Dr. Elmer Kirchoff, Dr. Brent Knight, Dr. Paul McCarthy, Dr. Keith Miller, Patricia Roach, and Dr. Bill Simpson
  • Our 2007 recipients, Randy Barnette, Don Barshis, Don Brewer, The Hon. Beverly Fawell, Craig Findley, Richard Gillette, Steve Kubiczky, Diane Landry, Dr. Dave Louis, Jim McFarland, Richard Nay, Janice Pearson, Dr. David Powers, Dr. Jon Satterwhite, Dr. Mike Shirley, Shiney Thomas-Jacobs, Dean West, and Jerry Wright
  • Our 2006 recipients, Dr. Zelema Harris, Dr. Robert Luther, Dr. Robert Scholz, Dr. Gretchen Naff, Dr. Chuck Novak, J.D. Ross, Dr. John Donahue, and John J. Daley
  • Our 2005 recipients, Barbara Barton, John J. Daley, Kris Howard, Dr. Richard Kolze, Franklin Walker, and Patti Wojcikowski
  • Our 2004 recipients, Dr. Wayne Chapin and Donald B. Johannes
  • Our 2003 recipients, the Hon. Philip J. Rock and the Hon. Judy Erwin
  • Our 2002 recipients, Dr. Donald G. Crist and Sharon Tarvin
  • Our 2001 recipients, Dr. Robert English and Lucy Sloan

Distinguished Alumnus Award

The Distinguished Alumnus Award recognizes the many success stories of Illinois community college graduates. Nominees must have completed a recognized program of instruction or attended at least 30 semesters hours at an ICCTA member college. Currently serving trustees and presidents are not eligible for nomination. Posthumous nominations are not eligible for submission.

Nomination deadline: February 28, 2025

Equity and Diversity Award

The Equity and Diversity Award recognizes exemplary commitment by an Illinois public community college board and its chief executive officer to achieve diversity, equity and inclusion in the institution's education programs.

Nomination deadline: February 28, 2025

Gandhi/King Peace Scholarship

The Gandhi/King Peace Scholarship provides a $1,000 scholarship to the student who best articulates the peaceful messages of Mahatma Gandhi and Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. This award has been endowed by Oakton Community College trustee Jody Wadhwa and the Wadhwa Foundation. All currently enrolled students at ICCTA member colleges are eligible to participate; however, each college may submit only one entry per academic year.

Nomination deadline: March 28, 2025

Gary W. Davis Ethical Leadership Award

The Gary W. Davis Ethical Leadership Award honors individuals who have made an outstanding contribution to the pursuit and support of ethical leadership and decision-making in their fields of work and volunteer service.

Nomination deadline: February 28, 2025
2025 award guidelines and nomination form

Gregg Chadwick Student Service Scholarship

The Gregg Chadwick Student Service Scholarship provides a $500 scholarship to a currently enrolled Illinois community college student for extraordinary commitment to volunteer service.

Nomination deadline: March 28, 2025

2025 scholarship guidelines and nomination form

Honorary Membership

As the association's highest award, ICCTA Honorary Membership is reserved for those individuals who have established the very highest standard of service and who have clearly benefitted the entire Illinois community college system. Currently serving trustees and presidents are not eligible for nomination.

  • Our 2024 recipient, Mike Sullivan
  • Our 2023 recipient, John Duffy
  • Our 2022 recipient, Richard Frey
  • Our 2021 recipients, Richard Anderson, Michael S. Monaghan, and W. Thomas Ryder
  • Our 2018 recipient, State Rep. Robert Pritchard
  • Our 2017 recipient, Jody Wadhwa
  • Our 2015 recipients, Dr. Thomas Bennett and Linden A. Warfel
  • Our 2013 recipient, Geoffrey Obrzut
  • Our 2011 recipient, Robert Gaffner
  • Our 2010 recipients, Dick Dystrup, Leland Glazebrook and Mary Nolan
  • Our 2009 recipients, Dr. Gary W. Davis and Dr. D. Wayne Green
  • Our 2007 recipient, Roger Tuttle
  • Our 2005 recipient, Virginia McMillan
  • Our 2004 recipient, Mary Karasek
  • Our 2002 recipient, Ray Hartstein
  • Our 2001 recipient, Dr. Larry Huffman
  • Our full list of ICCTA Honorary Members

ICCTA President's Award

The ICCTA President's Award is the only award given at the sole discretion of the current ICCTA President. The award celebrates an unsung hero who has supported ICCTA and community colleges. It cannot be awarded to an individual who is receiving another award during the current awards year, with the exception of the Trustee Education and Service Awards.

John M. Lewis Outstanding Legislator Award

The John M. Lewis Award is presented to an elected official who demonstrates, through his or her exemplary public service, recognition of the importance of higher education to society. The award is named after John M. Lewis, the founding president of ICCTA and the Carl Sandburg College Board of Trustees.

Lifelong Learning Award

The Lifelong Learning Award celebrates the accomplishments of Illinois community college students who have used their community college as a resource on multiple occasions.

Nomination deadline: March 28, 2025

Michael S. Monaghan Meritorious Service Award

This honor is given to elected/appointed officials and other friends of community colleges who have contributed to the advancement of the Trustees Association and community college education in Illinois. Currently serving trustees and presidents are not eligible for nomination.

Outstanding Adjunct Faculty Member Award

The Outstanding Adjunct Faculty Member Award recognizes the high achievement of Illinois part-time community college instructors.

Nomination deadline: March 28, 2025

Outstanding Full-Time Faculty Member Award

The Outstanding Full-Time Faculty Member Award recognizes the high achievement of Illinois full-time community college instructors.

Nomination deadline: March 28, 2025

Outstanding Legislator Award

Each year ICCTA honors select members of the Illinois General Assembly for their continuing support of the Illinois community college system. Each of these recipients has a special connection to Illinois community colleges.

Pacesetter Award

The Pacesetter Award recognizes the accomplishments of Illinois more recent community college graduates. Nominees must have completed a recognized program of instruction (including dual credit courses) or attended at least 30 semesters hours at an ICCTA member college after June 30, 2014.

Nomination deadline: February 28, 2025

2025 award guidelines and nomination form

Paul Simon Student Essay Contest

The Paul Simon Student Essay Contest provides a one-time $500 scholarship to the student who best describes How My Community College Has Changed My Life. All currently enrolled students at ICCTA member colleges are eligible to participate; however, each ICCTA member college may enter only one student essay in the statewide competition each year.

Nomination deadline: March 28, 2025

2025 scholarship guidelines and nomination form

Prairie State College / Gigi Campbell Student Trustee Excellence Scholarship

The Prairie State College / Gigi Campbell Student Trustee Excellence Scholarship recognizes the Illinois community college system's outstanding student board members. The recipient will receive a $500 scholarship for the fall 2024 semester. Only student trustees who are currently serving on the board of an ICCTA member college are eligible for nomination.

Nomination deadline: February 28, 2025

Professional Board Staff Member Award

The Professional Board Staff Member Award recognizes exemplary professional service to an ICCTA member college board.

Nomination deadline: February 28, 2025

2025 award guidelines and nomination form

Ray Hartstein Trustee Achievement Award

The Ray Hartstein Trustee Achievement Award recognizes exemplary service by a currently serving board member at an ICCTA member college. Former trustees are not eligible for nomination.

Nomination deadline: February 28, 2025

2025 award guidelines and nomination form

Trustee Education Award

The ICCTA Board of Representatives created this award in 1992 to recognize outstanding achievement in the area of professional development. Recipients of this honor have participated in 15 or more ICCTA seminars.

Trustee Service Awards

ICCTA has created several awards to recognize our longest-serving board members. All trustees are eligible to receive these honors, which will be presented each year at ICCTAs annual convention.

45-Year Trustee Award

  • Our 2020 recipient, John Duffy
  • Our 2019 recipients, Richard Anderson and Richard "Shorty" Dickson

40-Year Trustee Award

  • Our 2018 recipient, Frank Zuccarelli
  • Our 2017 recipient, Robert Watson
  • Our 2016 recipients, Don Brewer and Robert Wunderlich
  • Our 2015 recipient, John Duffy
  • Our 2014 recipients, Richard Anderson and Richard "Shorty" Dickson
35-Year Trustee Award
  • Our 2024 recipients, James Ayers and Anthony DeFilippo
  • Our 2022 recipients, James Michels and Mike Sullivan
  • Our 2021 recipient, Bill Hawley
  • Our 2020 recipient, Tom Colclasure
  • Our 2014 recipient, Robert Watson
  • Our 2013 recipients, Marvin Scott and Frank Zuccarelli
  • Our past recipients

30-Year Trustee Award

  • Our 2023 recipients, Bishop Wayne Dunning, Dave Maguire, and Doris Reynolds
  • Our 2021 recipients, Jim Beasley, John Daly, Jerald Hoekstra, Bruce Lauerman, Richard Roehrkasse, and Mark Stephens
  • Our 2019 recipients, James Ayers, Anthony DeFilippo, Barbara Oilschlager, and Don Patton
  • Our 2017 recipients, James Michels, Mike Sullivan, and Jody Wadhwa
  • Our 2016 recipients, Ed Andersen and Bill Hawley
  • Our 2015 recipients, Thomas Colclasure and Bonnie Kelley
  • Our 2013 recipient, Barbara Walters
  • Our past recipients

25-Year Trustee Award

  • Our 2024 recipients, Brenda Culver, David Harby, and Dana Trimble
  • Our 2022 recipients, Linda Mason, Rebecca Oliver, Jake Rendleman, and Bob Thompson
  • Our 2020 recipients, Linda Butler, Dr. William Griffin, Dr. Clare Ollayos, and Diane Viverito
  • Our 2019 recipients, John Daly and Donna Peluso
  • Our 2018 recipients, Bishop Wayne Dunning, Dave Maguire, Nick Mance, Doris Reynolds, and Maxine Russell
  • Our 2016 recipients, Jim Beasley, Jerald Hoekstra, Richard Roehrkasse, and Mark Stephens
  • Our 2015 recipients, Ed Andersen, Anthony DeFilippo, Bill Hawley, Bruce Lauerman, James Michels, Mike Sullivan, Jody Wadhwa
  • Our 2014 recipients, James Ayers, Dr. Edward Hightower, Barbara Oilschlager, Don Patton, and Randy Schafer

Discontinued Awards

College Bowl

Nicknamed the varsity sport of the mind, College Bowl features fast-paced question-and-answer competitions between teams of students. Statewide College Bowl tournaments were co-sponsored by ICCTA and the Illinois Community College Student Activities Association from 1993 to 2008.