From research to outreach to economic growth, amazing work happens across the University of Illinois System and in every corner of the state. The Dr. Tai R. Shin and Mrs. You H. Shin Humanitarian Award honors passionate and compassionate changemakers while ensuring life-altering initiatives continue to thrive.
How does the award honoree benefit?
Each annual Shin Award honoree receives a $5,000 honorarium and an event to celebrate their achievement.
What is unique about the Shin Humanitarian Award?
The award does more than honor humanitarians. Each honoree pays forward $50,000 to fund U of I System work that benefits society. The system is now seeking nominations for the next Shin Humanitarian Award.
The power of nomination
How do I nominate someone for the Shin Humanitarian Award?
Nominate alumni, colleagues, or other humanitarians working to change the world for the better using this form. The deadline is April 13.
What criteria must a nominee meet?
One or more of the following:
- Make life better for vulnerable communities
- Take consistent action to protect and improve the environment
- Protect and promote human rights
- Treat all others with respect and dignity
See the full criteria list.
What makes a strong nomination?
A strong nomination features compelling examples of how the person meets the award criteria and follows the system’s guiding values, which include valuing excellence, fostering innovation, and treating others with dignity and respect.
Can nominators submit supporting materials such as letters of recommendation and work samples?
No additional documentation may be shared outside of the required materials.
Past award recipients
Who are the past honorees and what work did the award fund?
Dr. Evelyn Figueroa, 2025. Physician and alumna directed funding to medical student recruitment and children’s nutrition research at the University of Illinois College of Medicine’s family and community medicine department.
Betsy Goulet, 2024. Three-time University of Illinois Springfield alumna channeled funding to the Alliance for Experiential Problem-Based Learning to support child protection professionals.
The late Bir Bahadur (B.B.) Singh, 2023. Inaugural alumni honoree’s legacy continues as University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign shares hands-on agriculture with students and community members.
And the winner is ...
When will the winner be announced/notified?
We strive to choose a winner and notify them in the fall. Our public announcement will depend on scheduling for the honoree’s award celebration event.
How does the selection process work?
After this year’s April 13 deadline for submitting nominations online, the award selection committee comprised of 18 people from the system’s three universities reviews submissions. Each chancellor chooses two faculty members, two staff members, and two students to serve on the committee. After committee members receive instructions, they have about a week to review and rate nominees. They then meet to discuss the top-rated nominees so they can make a recommendation to the system president.
Additional nomination details
Must nominators and nominees be affiliated in some way with the U of I System?
While nominations are welcome from anyone, the Shin Humanitarian Award gives priority to nominees connected to the U of I System — including faculty, staff, students, and alumni. The honoree must direct the $50,000 to a U of I System program.
Can people nominate a person who might direct the $50,000 to their program or department?
Yes. It’s acceptable to nominate someone whose work aligns closely with a particular program or department. However, it's important to note that honorees are entitled to choose where the pay-it-forward contribution is directed.
Can people nominate themselves?
Yes. This path allows nominators to highlight the impact of their work; highlight their achievements, value, and impact; and acknowledge others by including gratitude for teams, mentors, and communities.
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For more information, please contact Shin Award Committee chair Gretchen Lohman at glohm2@uillinois.edu.
