Alumni

Celebrating Success

Every year, the College of Education hosts multiple award programs that honor educators who demonstrate excellence in education and carry on the Illinois State legacy of “Gladly we learn and teach.” These honors recognize alumni who serve to inspire others through their career, citizenship, and character.

Hall of Fame

This is a lifetime career achievement honor that recognizes College of Education graduates who have distinguished themselves through accomplishments and contributions to the field of education.

Nominate a COE Hall of Fame Inductee

Award criteria

Holds a degree from the College of Education at Illinois State University;
Demonstrates an exceptional level of professional accomplishment in education;
Provides voluntary service on a local, state, regional, national or international level;
Improves education at the local, state, regional, national or international level; special honors or recognition should be submitted for consideration.

Current Inductees

Jerry Barrio ’98, M.S. ‘00

Bachelor’s in History Education Master of Science in Special Education

Dr. John Bierbaum ’05, M.S. ’09, Ed.D. ’19

Bachelor's in Social Science Education Master of History Doctorate in Teaching and Learning

Dr. Tamera Foley ’80

Bachelor's in Special Education

Dr. Trudy Gross ’92

Bachelor's in Special Education

Dr. Lindsey Jensen '20

Doctorate in Teaching and Learning

Dr. Dana Karraker ’85, M.S. ’07, Ed.D. ’18

Bachelor’s in Elementary Education Master's in Curriculum and Instruction Doctorate in Education

Dr. Tara Mathien '03

Bachelor's Degree in Early Childhood Education

Dr. Diane Ryndak ’74

Bachelor's Degree in Special Education

Get to know our honorees

Legacy Award

The Legacy Award is a career lifetime achievement award. This honor recognizes College of Education graduates or friends who have made a lasting and meritorious contribution to their chosen field.

Award criteria

Is an alum or friend the College of Education at Illinois State University;
Demonstrates an exceptional level of professional accomplishment in their chosen field;
Improves their chosen field at the local, state, regional, national or international level; special honors or recognition should be submitted for consideration.

2022 Inductees

Gail Lamb
Jeanne Morris
Pam Silverwood

Outstanding Young Alumni

This honor recognizes College of Education graduates (those 10 or less years from their bachelor's degree) who have made significant contributions to the field of education.

Nominate a COE Outstanding Young Alumni Inductee

Award criteria

Holds a degree from the College of Education at Illinois State University and has received their bachelor's degree in the past 10 years;
Demonstrates an exceptional level of professional accomplishment in education;
Provides voluntary service on a local, state, regional, national or international level;
Improves education at the local, state, regional, national or international level; special honors or recognition should be submitted for consideration.