About Award

The Southern Illinois University System, SIU Board of Trustees, and the Student Advisory Committee for the SIU System (SACSS) seek applications of outstanding students (undergraduate, graduate, or professional) that have demonstrated an outstanding commitment to service benefiting their campus, their community, and the SIU System.

The 2026 SIU Distinguished Student Service Award will recognize, honor, and celebrate the efforts and contributions of students whose acts of service are demonstrative of excellence and exemplary commitment to the support, advancement, and achievement of fellow students, their campus, and their community.

The SACSS will select one (1) undergraduate student and one (1) graduate student from both the SIU Edwardsville and SIU Carbondale campuses. In addition, the SACSS will select one (1) student from each of the following schools: School of Medicine, School of Dental Medicine, School of Pharmacy, and Simmons Law School.

Recipients will be honored at the Thursday, April 16, 2026 Board of Trustees meeting and will receive a plaque of recognition plus a $100 award.
Eligibility and Required Nomination Materials:

• Applications MUST include a Letter(s) of Support from a student, staff member, faculty member, community member, or administrator which thoughtfully explains and summarizes the service contributions the student has made to their campus and community. *Multiple Letters of Support may be submitted.
• Applications MUST include the student’s resume or curriculum vitae (CV) which details their overall commitment to service throughout their academic career.
• Applications MAY (not required) include a brief (up to 500-word) personal statement from the student which will help the selection committee to better understand how the vision, mission, and goals the student’s individual and collective acts of service have impacted them and those they serve. This brief statement should provide the selection committee a descriptive picture of their personal motivations and accomplishments and should describe how their acts of service have directly impacted the individuals and groups they serve.
• Students can be nominated by emailing gireesh.gupchup@siu.edu. Please include the student’s email address in the nomination. The student will be contacted and asked to apply.
• Eligible Students MUST be currently enrolled and in good standing at their university OR have been enrolled during the 2025-2026 academic year.
• All required documentation must be submitted electronically through the online application form.

All application materials are DUE by Monday, March 16, 2026 at 11:59pm.

Only complete applications will be considered while selecting awards. If an application is not received from one of the above-mentioned universities or schools, a student from that campus will not be awarded the 2026 Distinguished Student Service Award. Regardless of the number of applications received, the selection committee members will only select and honor students whose acts of service are exemplary and distinguished in their nature and demonstrate their commitment to their community. **Honorable Mentions will receive a certificate and will also be recognized in campus and system announcements.

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* 1. Professional Title

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* 2. Preferred Pronouns

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* 3. Email

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* 4. Phone Number

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* 5. Campus Roles

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* 6. SIU System Affiliation

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* 7. Name of Nominee

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* 8. Email of Nominee

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* 9. Classification of Nominee

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* 10. Letter of Support

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* 11. Resume or CV

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* 12. Personal Statement

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* 13. Any Additional Materials (Optional)

Contact:

If you have any questions, please contact Julie Lindsey at julie.lindsey@siu.edu.
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