Distinguished Service Award

The Distinguished Service Award was established in 1972 to recognize alumni, faculty, staff and friends of the University of Illinois who have consistently demonstrated extraordinary commitment, dedication and service for the advancement of the institution. The first year of the award at UIS was 2004.

2009 Recipient

Helen Jane Dunn, MA ’72 EHS

Helen Jane Dunn began her master's degree in 1970, when Sangamon State University opened, and earned her psychology degree in 1972. A committed participant and organizer of numerous activities during her career as a graduate student and onward, Dunn was one of the first 100 life members of the SSU Alumni Association. She remained active in Association outreach activities, including service as president of the alumni board. Her passion for volunteer leadership continued as the campus became part of the University of Illinois system. She later served as a member of the UIS Campus Alumni Advisory Board and on other University committees. Especially noteworthy was her assistance in establishing "experiential" programs for alumni based on profession, life stages and personal interest. Her ideas greatly contributed to the formation of the CEHS Alumni Council — for educators and human services professionals — and the UIS Alumni SAGE Society, created for those aged 50 and better.

With nearly 40 years of service to the University family and the Alumni Association, it is an honor to recognize Helen Jane Dunn as the 2009 Distinguished Service Award recipient.