(left to right)
Dr. Gary Rolfe,
UIUC Chancellor Bob Easter,
Dr. Dale Chapman, President, Lewis and Clark Community College,
Dr. Dick Warner, Director, Office of Sustainability,
Dr. Brian Anderson, Chief, Illinois Natural History Survey

The National Great Rivers Research and Education Center (NGRREC) was selected as the exclusive winner of this prestigous award in recognition of the extraordinary contributions of faculty, staff, students and projects to connect the University with the broader community on issues of critical social impact. NGRREC is setting the bar for project awards, new this year, for the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign. 

Criteria for selection of this award was the demonstration of sustained leadership (a minimum of three years) in working with the public and/or with external organizations; evidence of the impact on the community served; innovative ways of working for the well being of the citizens and communities; documented excellence in extending University knowledge; and demonstrated intellectual, professional, personal and/or career growth as a result of the experience. 

Letters of support for NGRREC were forwarded by the United States Army Corps of Engineers, St. Louis District, Audubon Society and the UI Office of Sustainability.

NGRREC will be presented with a plaque and one-time cash award of $5,000 at a recognition ceremony on February 2, 2010. The ceremony will be held at Beckman Institute on the grounds of the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign.  

To view nomination packet click here.