Rising Star Award
About
The Rising Star Award recognizes Academic Professionals (APs) early in their career who demonstrate dedication and quality of performance that indicates they will continue to develop into an exemplary employee.
- Nominees must be employed as APs at UIC at 50% time or higher for between three and ten consecutive years.
- Please review the Rising Star procedures and eligibility criteria for more information on this award.
- 2025 application is closed.
- Click here to access the Rising Star procedures and eligibility criteria.
- Please note that this award is for Academic Professionals (APs); if you are unsure of the nominee’s job classification, please contact your HR representative to determine whether they meet the eligibility criteria for this award.
This year, up to 3 academic professionals will receive the Rising Star Award which provides a $1,500 one-time cash award. Nominations for this award are welcomed from UIC faculty, students, academic professionals, and support staff.
The nomination period for the 2026 Rising Star Award will be announced, and the application will open in 2026. The 2025 competition is closed. In the meantime, for any questions regarding the Rising Star Award, please contact Selection Committee Co-Chair Shubha Priyamvada (shubha@uic.edu) or Nicole Messier(nmessier@uic.edu).
2025 Rising Star Award Winners
Edin Huicochea, Senior Academic Advisor, College of Liberal Arts & Sciences
Nicki Bohnker, Senior Research Specialist, College of Medicine, Peoria
Natalie Lopez-Yanez, Director, Public Health Initiatives, Vice Chancellor for Student Affairs
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Left to Right: Nicki Bohnker, Edin Huicochea, Natalie Lopez-Yanez
Contact Information
For any questions regarding the Rising Star Award, please contact 2025 Rising Star Selection Committee Co-Chairs: Shubha Priyamvada, shubha@uic.edu, and Nicole Messier, nmessier@uic.edu.