Since 1995, the Asian American Leadership Awards have been recognizing excellence in activities, programs, and services that promote cross-cultural understanding of Asian and Asian American experiences, and that provide educational and cultural support for Asians and Asian Americans in our university community. 

The awards will be presented at the annual ceremony Monday, April 20, 2026 at the Alice Campbell Alumni Center Ballroom. Doors will open at 7:00 pm. For more information contact the Asian American Cultural Center at aacc@illinois.edu or call (217) 333-9300.

This event is open to all persons regardless of race, background, or national origin.

Nomination Categories

Outstanding Asian & Asian American Student Organization

Student organizations that have developed and implemented activities, programs, and services that promote greater cultural, social, or political awareness of Asian American issues. The award recipient must be a registered organization affiliated with the AACC. *Previous awardees must include examples in their 2026 nomination on what (if any) specific aspects have changed or improved since their last nomination.

Outstanding Asian & Asian American Program / Event

Programs/events that have shown a significant impact in serving the Asian American community, developing awareness of Asian American issues, and/or promoting unity in the Asian American campus community. The award recipient must be sponsored primarily by a student organization. *Previous awardees must include examples in their 2026 nomination on what (if any) specific aspects have changed or improved since their last nomination.

Note: Events that occurred or are occurring April 2025 - March 2026 are eligible for nomination.

Outstanding Asian & Asian American Undergraduate Student Leader Award

Undergraduate student leaders for excellence in developing and implementing programs for the Asian American campus community, excellence and innovation in classroom instruction that furthers knowledge of Asian American communities, and/or excellence in research that promotes awareness of Asian American issues. Award consideration favors those nominees who have exemplified several semesters of leadership to our campus and will soon be graduating.

Outstanding Asian & Asian American Graduate Student Leader Award

Graduate and professional students for excellence in developing and implementing programs for the Asian American campus community, excellence and innovation in classroom instruction that furthers knowledge of Asian American communities, and/or excellence in research that promotes awareness of Asian American issues. Award consideration favors those nominees who have exemplified several semesters of leadership to our campus and will soon be graduating.

Outstanding Asian & Asian American Faculty/Staff Award

This award recognizes faculty and staff who have shown years of commitment to the Asian/Asian American campus community. Previous awardees for this category have collaborated with the AACC in providing mentoring, advising, programming, counseling, teaching, and/or research opportunities that develop students’ self-awareness and promote understanding of Asian/Asian American issues.

DEADLINE TO SUBMIT NOMINATIONS: MARCH 22, 2026

Short URL: https://go.illinois.edu/2026AALA
The awards will be presented at the annual ceremony which will begin at 7:30 pm sharp, Monday, April 20, 2026 at the Alice Campbell Alumni Center Ballroom. Doors will open at 7:00 pm. For more information contact the Asian American Cultural Center at aacc@illinois.edu or call (217) 333-9300.