Nomination Deadline: September 30, 2009.

Nomination Form

As a world-class institution of higher education, the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign is proud of its long history of educating exceptional students from around the globe. Since its founding in 1867, the University of Illinois has welcomed more than 29,000 international students to the Urbana-Champaign campus.

Established in 2000, the Madhuri and Jagdish N. Sheth International Alumni Award for Exceptional Achievement recognizes the university’s distinguished international alumni. Recipients of the award include individuals who are highly distinguished in their profession, either internationally or nationally in their own country; who have helped their nation or the world by outstanding contributions to government, humanity, science, art, or human welfare; and who exemplify the strength of their education at the University of Illinois.

Eligibility
To be eligible, the nominee shall:

• Have received a degree from the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign. In exceptional cases, attendance for one academic year may be sufficient.
• Have been a citizen of a country other than the United States at the time he/she enrolled at the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign.
• Have distinguished him/herself in activities in a country other than the U.S. or in an international context.
• Not be a current member of the University of Illinois faculty, staff, or Board of Trustees.

Nomination Process
Nominations shall include a completed nomination cover sheet providing the following:

• Name of nominee
• Nominee contact information
• Current employer or institutional affiliation
• Country of residence
• Country of origin
• Degree(s) received from the University of Illinois
• University of Illinois nominating unit(s)
• Principal nominator name and contact information

• Narrative, not to exceed five pages, that describes the nominee's qualities and accomplishments and how they fit the criteria for award.
• Resume of the nominee
• Three letters of support

Award Criteria
The selection committee will recommend one or more individuals from the nomination pool that best satisfy the following criteria:

• Must be highly distinguished in his/her business, profession or life's work, either internationally or nationally in his or her country.
• Must be of such stature and accomplishment that students, faculty and staff of the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign will take pride in and be inspired by his/her recognition.
• Must be an individual whose contributions to humanity, science, art, or human welfare have helped the citizens of his/her country and/or the global population.
• Must be an individual who in life activities reflects the importance of his/her education at University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign.

Selection Process and Committee
A selection committee will be appointed to evaluate all nominations and suggest up to three choices to the Chancellor for final selection. The selection committee will be formed within the following framework:

• Two faculty members nominated from large colleges (on rotation)
• Two faculty members nominated from small colleges/schools (on rotation)
• One member from International Programs and Studies
• One member from the Alumni Association
• One or more members at large (selected by the Chancellor or designee)

The Associate Provost for International Affairs will seek nominations for members of the selection committee from deans, directors, or heads of the relevant units.

Note: This application will roll over for 3 academic years as long as the applicant continues to meet all of the eligibility requirements. Nominators will be given the opportunity to update and resubmit their application for up to three annual award cycles.  Applications do not have to be updated in order to be included in the next award cycle. 

 Nomination Form

 Please send all materials to:

International Engagement, Communications and Protocol
Attn: Madhuri and Jagdish N. Sheth International Alumni Award for Exceptional Achievement
for International Achievement
  507 E. Green St. Rm. 416 (MC-417)
  Champaign, IL 61820

Phone: 217-265-4140, Fax: 217-265-0810