The Office of Vice Provost of Student Affairs offers opportunities to acknowledge the academic and extracurricular accomplishments of all students. Below you will find the ways that the Office of the Vice Provost for Student Affairs recognizes students.

Commencement Speaker

During each Commencement ceremony, an undergraduate or graduate student has the unique opportunity to address their fellow graduates. Commencement speakers speak on behalf of the graduating class to provide well wishes, a reflection on their experiences at Illinois Tech, and their personal encouragement for the future. The Dean of Students Office spearheads the selection of the commencement speakers. 

Applicants who wish to be the student Commencement speaker must meet the following qualifications: 

  • Currently enrolled student graduating in the year they apply
  • In good academic and judicial standing (i.e. must hold  a grade-point average of 2.5 or higher for undergraduate students)
  • Can demonstrate and highlight positive points of growth and experiences as an Illinois Tech student
  • Comfortable with public speaking

Finalists will be selected based on their submissions and will then present their draft commencement speech to the Commencement Speaker Selection Committee. The person who is selected will work closely with the student affairs team to refine their speech and get ready for the big day. The committee will make its decision after listening to all finalists.

This year, we will select two students; one per ceremony. 

Applications for the 2024 academic year are now closed. 

 

Awards

Below you will find the awards that are facilitated through the Office of the Vice Provost of Student Affairs and Dean of Students Office. 

Abraham Lincoln Civic Engagement Award

Illinois Tech Awards

Clinton E. Stryker Award

Richard F. Babcock Leadership Award

Outstanding Commitment to Service Award

Outstanding Graduate Teaching Assistant of the Year

Outstanding First-Year Involvement Award

Outstanding Student Organization Award

Student Organization Advisor Award

Nominations for the 23-24 academic year are now closed.  Recipients will be announced at the awards banquet on April 25, 2024!