Alumni Awards and News
Alumni awards and news
Stay connected with the latest from Gies College of Business. Discover inspiring stories from our alumni community, celebrate those making a meaningful impact, and find out how you can stay engaged and informed.
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Alumni awards
Gies Business and the Gies Business Alumni Association (GBAA) proudly recognizes the outstanding achievements and contributions of our alumni and faculty. These awards celebrate those who exemplify excellence in their careers and communities.
Gies College of Business Awards
Gies Business has tens of thousands of exceptional alumni and friends who work every day to make the world a better place. The following awards are presented at the Spring Luncheon each year for outstanding career achievements and service to Gies Business.
Congratulations to our 2026 winners:
- Distinguished Alumnus Award - Donald J. Edwards, ‘88 FIN; Founder & Executive Chairman, Flexpoint Ford LLC
- Gies College of Business Alumni Impact Award - Jane Romweber Santogrossi, ‘75 ACCY; Partner, Meridian Compensation Partners, LLC (Retired)
GBAA Excellence-in-Teaching Award Recipients
Congratulations to the 2026 GBAA Excellence-in-Teaching Award Recipients:
- Sandra Corredor - Excellence in Undergraduate Teaching
- Xing Gao - Excellence in Graduate Teaching
- Chengyuan (Nicko) Wei - Excellence in Teaching for Teaching Assistants
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Gies Monthly Newsletter
Campus Alumni Directory
The Online Alumni Directory provides Illini an easy way to make connections with fellow alumni worldwide. Use the Online Alumni Directory to reconnect with friends and former classmates, search for Illini near you, and expand your professional network.
Alumni in the News
Stay up-to-date with the remarkable achievements of our alumni. Discover the latest news featuring their successes and contributions. Want to see more? Browse all alumni news.
PODCAST: Global dance music superstar John Summit
Nov 05, 2026
John Schuster, known to millions around the world as John Summit, returned to campus during Homecoming week for the first time since graduating. In a conversation moderated by Gies Business namesake Larry Gies, he talked with students before opening his arena tour in Champaign.
Historical marker honors impact of Art Wyatt
Oct 23, 2026
A new historical marker outside Wohlers Hall honors Art Wyatt, an Illinois alumnus and professor whose leadership helped bring U.S. and international accounting standards closer together.
Larry Gies pledges $100 million matching gift to Gies College of Business
Oct 20, 2026
Larry Gies has pledged $100 million to match the next $100 million in qualifying donations to Gies College of Business, potentially generating $200 million for scholarships, student experiences, and faculty support. The pledge brings his lifetime giving to the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign to $350 million, making him its largest benefactor.
Accountancy Alumni Business Administration Faculty Finance Student
New access point monitor provides Beacon of hope for dialysis patients
Oct 19, 2026
Physician and Gies Business iMBA graduate Kevin Volkema partnered with vascular surgery resident Richie Li to develop Beacon, a wearable ultrasound device that helps dialysis patients monitor their fistulas and detect failures early.