distinguished Senior awards
The most distinguished seniors at EIU are individuals who have enriched the university community with their active involvement in all facets of campus life. The Distinguished Senior Award recognizes those who have demonstrated outstanding character and leadership through academic achievement, campus and community involvement, and/or extra-curricular honors or awards.
About the Distinguished Senior Awards
Award Criteria
To apply for this honor, students must meet the following criteria:
- Must be graduating in the Spring, Summer, or Fall 2026.
- Have a minimum cumulative grade point average of 3.0 or higher.
2026 Application/Nomination
Eligible students may either apply or be nominated.
- Students may apply by submitting the online application form.
- Anyone within the EIU community (faculty, staff, alumni, parents, etc.) may nominate a student by submitting the online nomination form.
2025 Winners
Eastern Illinois University is proud to announce the recipients of the 2025 Distinguished Senior Award. Selected by the EIU Alumni Association Board of Directors, these exceptional students represent the highest ideals of academic excellence, leadership, and service to the University and surrounding community.
This year’s recipients were recognized at a special ceremony held April 26, 2025, at the Tarble Arts Center on Eastern’s campus. In alphabetical order, the 2025 recipients include:
- Kyle Anderson
- Mersadeez Barrett
- Ryan Bevers
- Portor Conroy
- Luke Denny
- Delany Gray
- Tyler Hanlan
- Jaleena Hemrich
- Alexa Howard
- Lydia Howard
- Alexis Johnson
- Lyric Johnson
- Lucas Kisner
- Rachel Mellott
- Varsha Naraharasetty
- Faith Nuss
- Chinenyenma Okolie
- Mataya Patrea
- Carson Prost
- Allison Smith
- Jasmine Suiters
- Jennifer Teibowei
- Olivia Viele
- Janelynn Wirth
- Rachel Wisner