The Ebony Excellence Awards Ceremony is an annual awards program that recognizes individuals, groups, and programs for their labor and contributions to transforming Black student life at the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign and the local community.

Spring 2025 Ceremony

• Date: Thursday, April 17th 2025
• Time: 5:00-7:00 pm CT
• Location: Campus Instructional Facility (CIF), 0035

Award Categories:

Community Activism Award: This award recognizes a Champaign-Urbana Community member who has demonstrated a commitment to service, liberation and social justice through an intersectional, inclusive and community-centered lens. 

Emerging Student Leader: This award is awarded to a new student leader ( first-year student, transfer student, or a student who has never had any prior involvement until this academic year) who has demonstrated exceptional leadership and shows potential for future leadership.

Faculty/Staff Member of the Year: This award recognizes an Illinois faculty or staff member in any department that furthers its student's interests in learning and opportunities through culturally relevant pedagogies and by fostering a culture of care. This award is given to an individual who goes above and beyond the call of duty within their specific job duties and who has an unmatched commitment to students and their holistic wellbeing. 

Graduate Student of the Year: This award recognizes an exemplary graduate student for their character, service, outstanding contributions to their field of study, and academic achievements. 

Graduating Student of the Year (3):  This award recognizes 3 outstanding graduating students who have made a lasting impact in their field of study, on campus, and/or in the community. One undergraduate student, one master’s level student, and one doctoral or professional degree student who is graduating in 2025 will be awarded. 

Most Engaged Alum: This award is awarded to an alum that has been actively involved in the campus community by helping to support the development of current students. 

Outstanding Student Leader: This award recognizes a student who has demonstrated exceptional leadership skills, a commitment to their community, and a positive influence within their academic or extracurricular pursuits.

Student Organization of the Year:  This award is presented to one exceptional student organization for its positive contributions to the campus community. This organization has shown exceptional leadership, collaboration, and dedication in organizing activities, events, or initiatives that contribute to the overall growth and well-being of its members, BNAACC, and the broader community.

Past Winners

Community Activism Award: Abigail Aderinto(2023), Stephanie Stewart-Cockrell (2022), Keyana Diaz (2021),

Emerging Student Leader: Triniti Nelson(2023) Jadah Gibson (2022), Kennedy K. Campbell (2021)

Faculty Member of the Year: Jessica Ballard (2023), Karen Flynn PhD (2022), Eboni M Zamani-Gallaher(2021)

Graduate Student of the Year: Dante Satudamire (2023), Candace Livingston (2022), Nimot Ogunfeni (2021)

Graduating Student of the Year (3):  Zainab Umardeen, Kyra Robinson, Robert Walker, Drake Materre (2023), Sierra Fitzpatrick-Skinner, Kitan Akinosho, Kayla Brothers (2022), Dr. Anthony B. Sullers Jr. (2021)

Most Engaged Alum: Allen Bryson(2023), Pamela Greer(2022), Derrius Carter MPH (2021),

Most Impactful Mentor: Shawn Hampton(2023). Desiree McMillion, PhD (2022)

Outstanding Leadership in an RSO: Thomas Sanders(2023), Bria Thurman (2022), Teara Morrow (2021)

Staff Member of the Year: Jazmyne Kellogg (2022), Carrie Anderson (2021)

Student Organization of the Year (1):  The Kat Walk (2023), Black Business Network (2022)

Intern of the year: Patrick Ben & Lauren Purchase (2023), Trinity Rosa (2022), Tyler Roberson(2021)