Alumni Awards
2025 Alumni Awards Celebration Event Information Heading link
Every year the University of Illinois Chicago Alumni Association is proud to recognize a few of our remarkable UIC alumni. These individuals have achieved extraordinary success in their respective fields and have made notable contributions to their communities. The University of Illinois Chicago Alumni Association invites you to the UIC Alumni Awards Celebration.
When: Thursday, April 10
6 p.m. | Cocktail Reception
7 p.m. | Dinner & Awards Ceremony
Where: Student Center East
Illinois Rooms
750 South Halsted Street
Chicago, Illinois
Purchase your ticket here
Early bird ticket: $50 per person
After March 14: $75
Parking is available in the Taylor/Halsted Parking Structure at 760 West Taylor Street.
Email joinus@uic.edu with event questions and requests for special accommodations.
FILMING NOTICE: By participating and being present during the event, you give the University of Illinois Chicago the right to use photographs or video/audio recordings taken of you during the event for educational or promotional purposes and for sharing with external news media.
ALUMNI ACHIEVEMENT AWARD Heading link
Joshua (Josh) Deth, MUPP ‘05
The highest honor bestowed by the University of Illinois Chicago Alumni Association, the Alumni Achievement Awards recognize individuals whose exceptional success and national or international recognition in their fields demonstrates the value of a UIC education across a lifetime.
Joshua Deth, MUPP ’05
College of Urban Planning and Policy
Founder and Managing Partner, Revolution Brewing
Julie Morita, MD ’90
College of Medicine
President and CEO, The Joyce Foundation
Jennifer Rainin, PhD ’02
College of Education
CEO, Kenneth Rainin Foundation; Co-Founder, The Curve Foundation; Co-Founder, Frankly Speaking Films Production Company
DISTINGUISHED SERVICE AWARD Heading link
Marygrace Elson, MD ‘82
The Distinguished Service Awards recognize individuals or couples whose consistent and exceptional service to UIC has significantly contributed to the university’s well-being and the advancement of its mission.
Marygrace Elson, MD ’82
College of Medicine
Clinical Professor Emerita, Obstetrics and Gynecology: University of Iowa, Retired
HUMANITARIAN AWARD Heading link
Claudia M. Fegan, MD '82
The Humanitarian Award recognizes alumni whose outstanding dedication and leadership significantly improve the lives of others and humanity’s well-being. They embody UIC’s commitment to eliminating disparities in health, education, and economic opportunity.
Claudia M. Fegan, MD ’82
College of Medicine
Chief Medical Officer, Cook County Health
George Zehak, DDS ’77
College of Dentistry
Dentist
RISING STAR LEADERSHIP AWARD Heading link
AWARD WINNERS
The Rising Star Leadership Awards recognize upcoming leaders who have shown outstanding leadership skills and have initiated meaningful changes within their profession or communities, whether local, regional, national, or global.
Miguel Lemus, BS ’18
College of Business
Corporate Communications for the Chicago Bears Football Team
Cristina Turino, MPH, MBA ’16
School of Public Health and College of Business
Chief Plan Officer, Cook County Health/CountyCare
Watch the 2024 UIC Alumni Awards Celebration Recap Heading link
The UIC Alumni Association and the Chancellor honor alumni for the remarkable success they have achieved in their lives and work. Seven phenomenal alumni were honored at the Alumni Awards Celebration on April 18, 2024. Click here to view photos from the celebration.
To view photos from past Alumni Awards Celebrations, click here.
Nominations for the 2025 Alumni Awards are now closed and will open for the 2026 season in June 2025.