H. L. Wakeland Undergraduate Leadership Award

Engineering at Illinois Engineering at Illinois

Engineering Communications Office

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H. L. Wakeland Undergraduate Leadership Award

During his 24-year tenure as associate dean in the College of Engineering, H. L. "Howie" Wakeland fostered many student organizations and activities. He, more than anyone else in the history of the college, has been responsible for making possible student leadership opportunities. This award is given in his honor.

The H. L. Wakeland Undergraduate Leadership Award is given annually to a junior or senior student who has demonstrated outstanding leadership accomplishments. A minimum grade-point average of 3.0 is required, but the criteria for selection is based primarily on leadership accomplishments that have occurred during the student's undergraduate years. These activities can include university, campus, college, departmental, local, and community involvement. The evaluation considers the continuous participation and depth of leadership responsibility in the various activities that have been undertaken. The award involves a monetary component and an individual plaque, and the recipient's name is added to a permanent plaque located in the Office of the Associate Dean for Academic Programs.

Solicitation
The nominations for the Knights of St. Pat are used to select the recipient of the Wakeland Award.

Selection
Selection is made by the deans in the Office of Associate Dean for Academic Programs in late January.

Publication
February
Recipient is informed by letter from the dean, drafted by associate dean for academic programs, with copies to the following:

  • department head
  • nominator
  • editor in the Engineering Communications Office for convocation booklet publication
  • associate dean for academic programs for convocation program planning
  • chairman, awards committee

Logistics
February/March
The editor in the Engineering Communications Office prepares the college awards convocation booklet, which will carry photo and biosketch of recipient. In addition to a cash award, the recipient is given a small individual plaque and his/her name is placed on the permanent memorial in Engineering Hall. Award is presented at the awards convocation in April. Recipient and family are invited to the awards luncheon by the associate dean for academic programs.

Previous Recipients