ISSS Awards

The ISSS Awards honor the remarkable dedication, exceptional service, and significant contributions of our campus and community members in supporting international education at the University of Illinois. These annual awards express our deep appreciation for individuals and groups who make our campus a welcoming, globally engaged environment.

About the Awards

The ISSS Awards were established in 2017 to acknowledge and celebrate the extraordinary efforts made by our campus and community members to foster an inclusive, globally minded atmosphere. The recipients represent a broad range of contributions, from student organizations that enrich cultural understanding to departments that provide world-class support services, as well as community partners extending a warm welcome to international visitors.

These awards highlight:

• Dedication to international education.
• Efforts in making Illinois a welcoming place for international students and scholars.
• Service that enhances the global mission and cultural diversity of our campus.

Each year, the ISSS office reviews internal nominations and selects honorees whose work stands out in supporting international engagement. Through these awards, we aim to inspire continued innovation, collaboration, and community-building among all who are part of the Illinois international family.

Award Categories

Below are the current categories in which awards are granted:

• Outstanding Student Organization. Recognizes a Registered Student Organization (RSO) or other student-led group that has excelled in internationalizing our campus.
• Outstanding Campus Unit or Organization. Honors a university department, unit, or non-student organization that provides exceptional support and service to international students and scholars. This category celebrates a team effort rather than individual contributions.
• Outstanding International Advocate. Highlights a university employee who has gone above and beyond to assist international students and scholars. This award focuses on an individual’s outstanding dedication and personal commitment.
• Outstanding Community Partner or Organization. Pays tribute to an individual or organization outside the university that has made a significant impact in promoting and supporting international education.
• Outstanding Department Contact. Acknowledges a department contact who liaises effectively with ISSS on scholar and employer issues, demonstrating excellence in communication, support, and dedication to international engagement.

Current Award Recipients

Outstanding Student Organization (2024): Molecular & Cellular Biology Graduate Student Association

Although the MCB GSA is not specifically an international student group, it embraces students of all backgrounds and programs within MCB. This summer, the organization recognized the unique needs of international students and partnered with ISSS and the Career Center to include specialized work authorization and career-planning sessions in its Career Seminar Series. The group’s leadership—comprising both international and domestic students—epitomizes a culture of collaboration and support for all.

Outstanding Campus Unit or Organization (2024): The Career Center

Renowned for its proactive and comprehensive support of international students, The Career Center has partnered closely with ISSS to create resources and materials that aid students in their search for internships and jobs in the United States. The center’s dedicated webpage, International Student Career Navigator program, and tailored advising initiatives demonstrate its commitment to enhancing professional development for international students. The entire Career Center team has played a vital role in ensuring that international students receive the guidance and tools they need for success.

Outstanding International Advocate (2024): Kara MacGregor (Computer Science)

Kara is an exceptional advisor who regularly goes above and beyond to advocate for her international students. Her extraordinary commitment was best illustrated on the tenth day of classes one year, when she tracked down a student who was in danger of being dropped for failing to enroll. She collaborated closely with ISSS, found the student on campus, and ensured they submitted a Reduced Course Load request—successfully preventing any negative immigration consequences. As Kara prepares to retire, ISSS is proud to recognize her unwavering support, dedication, and remarkable problem-solving for so many international students over the years.

Outstanding Community Partner or Organization (2024): Olyvia Padua (PNC)

Although PNC is a broad university partner, Olyvia’s personal involvement exemplifies exceptional service to international students. During the 2024 ISSS shuttle project, she did far more than discuss sponsorship logistics; she spent much of shuttle weekend on-site at the Illini Union, greeting new arrivals and even accompanying students and families to the campus bookstore. Her active, hands-on support and friendly presence helped incoming international students feel welcomed and at ease, reflecting the spirit of outstanding community partnership.

Outstanding Department Contact (2024): Stacie Ann Mertes (Civil & Environmental Engineering)

Stacie stands out for her exceptional communication, responsiveness, and partnership with ISSS. Managing scholar and employment issues can be complex, but Stacie’s proactive approach, warm demeanor, and attention to detail make the process seamless. She fosters a “dream team” dynamic by ensuring timely submissions, accurate information, and a respectful working environment. Her dependable, cheerful collaboration sets a high standard for department contacts and has made Civil and Environmental Engineering a favorite department to work with.

View Photos from the 2024 Awards Ceremony

Past Award Recipients