Maitland Commitment to Education Award

This award is presented to honor legislator officials, government officials, or individuals who have made extraordinary contributions to or advocated for the field of education or Illinois State University specifically.

The recipient may have helped improve educational opportunities for students. Additionally, this person may have also aided the University in the securing of resources, help provide positive visibility for the University, keeping Illinois State in the forefront statewide and/or nationally, and shows evidence of integrity, leadership, and fair play in the spirit of Senator John W. Maitland, Jr. It is anticipated that this award will typically be presented to an individual who did not attend Illinois State University; however, alumni are eligible.

The Awards Ceremony is held each spring. Nominations from alumni, the University community, and friends of the University are welcome. Current active members of a University board are NOT eligible to receive an Alumni Award. They may be nominated once their service to the board expires.

Past Maitland Award Recipients

2022 Ralph E. Grimm '83, M.S. '86 (COB/COE)
2020 Damian K. Gregory
2019 Charles Sorensen, M.S. ’67, awarded posthumously (CAS)
2018 Peter Rankaitis '74, M.S. '98 (CAS)
2017 Dr. Al Bowman & Linda Bowman ’81, M.S. ’83 (CAS)
2016 Yvonne Williams '69 (COE)
2015 Jaime Flores '80 (COB)
2014 Willie Brown '73 (COB)
2013 Dan Brady
2012 Dave Wiant
2011 Dr. Walter H. Warfield '68, M.S. '73, Ph.D. '78 (COE)
2010 Eugene P. Jontry '58 (CAST)
2009 Dr. Donald M. Prince, Ph.D. '81 (COE)
2008 Not awarded
2007 Carl Kasten '66 (CAS)
2006 Nancy Froelich
2005 Jack North
2004 Not awarded
2003 Bill Sulaski
2002 Sen John W. Maitland Jr.