25 Spring Awards for Undergraduate Students (Spring 2025)

The Duncan H. Lawrie Leadership Award is for undergraduate students enrolled in the Siebel School who have completed their junior year (i.e. current seniors), who excel academically, and who have demonstrated exceptional qualities of leadership and good citizenship. CS department head from 1990 to 1996, Professor Duncan H. Lawrie first arrived on campus as a graduate student working on the ILLIAC IV. The award honors his longtime contributions and service to the department.

Eligibility: Applicants must be exemplary seniors in the Siebel School. Applicants must demonstrate that they excel academically and that they have exceptional qualities of leadership and good citizenship. 

Required Materials:

1. Siebel School Awards Cover Sheet.
2. Unofficial transcripts for your current degree program at U of I. Unofficial transcripts can be obtained for free at: https://apps.uillinois.edu/selfservice/ 
3. Up-to-date CV or resume. 
4. Document with answers to the following questions. Your answers should each be no longer than 500 words.

   1.  Describe an example of your leadership experience in which you have positively influenced others, helped resolve disputes, or contributed to group efforts over time. This does not need to be school-related and can mean more than just a title; you may describe taking the lead role in organizing an event or project or have explicit responsibilities to take care of a family member or others close to you. Please consider sharing what you accomplished and what you learned in your response.

   2. Please provide examples of leadership you have displayed in organizations, service, internships, and/or employment. 

Optional Materials:

1. Optional essays as detailed in the Cover Sheet. 

Apply: Please submit all materials as a single PDF by the due date and time (Monday, March 31st at 11:59PM CT) to the Siebel School Awards Team at awardsinfo@cs.illinois.edu. 

Ira Cohen earned his B.S. in computer science from the University of Illinois in 1981. Ira was vice president of Advanced Systems Concepts in Schaumburg, Illinois, where he provided productivity tools for midrange IBM systems. This scholarship was established to honor Ira’s grandparents.

Eligibility: Eligible scholarship applicants are sophomore CS students, who identify as a person from a group or groups underrepresented in the field of Computer Science, chosen based on academic merit and on displayed leadership experience. 

Required Materials:

1. Siebel School Awards Cover Sheet.
2. Unofficial transcripts for your current degree program at U of I. Unofficial transcripts can be obtained for free at: https://apps.uillinois.edu/selfservice/ 
3. Up-to-date CV or resume. 
4. Document with an answer to the following question. Your answer should be no longer than 500 words.
   1. Please discuss your interests and activities outside of your studies and/or research (e.g., club leadership, teaching, peer tutoring, etc.) and/or special circumstances or adversity that you have confronted.

5. Written confirmation (included in the body of your submission email) that you identify with one or more of the following groups. Please note that you are NOT REQUIRED to disclose which group(s) you belong to, only that you belong to one or more of these groups:

   1. Female

   2. LGBTQ+

   3. African American / Black

   4. Asian: Filipino, Hmong, or Vietnamese only

   5. Hispanic / Latinx

   6. Indigenous Peoples

   7. Native American / Alaskan Native

   8. Native Hawaiian / Other Pacific Islander

   9. Active or veteran service member

   10. A person with a disability

Optional Materials:

1. Optional essays as detailed in the Cover Sheet. 
   1. Please note that this essay is required for all Cohen applicants: Please discuss your interests and activities outside of studies and/or research (e.g., club leadership, teaching, peer tutoring, etc.) and/or special circumstances or adversity that you have confronted.

Apply: Please submit all materials as a single PDF by the due date and time (Monday, March 31st at 11:59PM CT) to the Siebel School Awards Team at awardsinfo@cs.illinois.edu. 

This scholarship was established in 2005 by the friends and family of Jeffrey Blahut, a former CS student, to honor his memory. Jeffrey was a James Scholar and the son of Barbara and Richard Blahut, a former ECE department head.

Eligibility: Applicants must be current sophomores and juniors (CS majors) entering their junior or senior years in Fall 2025. Selection is based on academic merit. GPA must be 3.0 or above.

Required Materials:

1. Siebel School Awards Cover Sheet.
2. Unofficial transcripts for your current degree program at U of I. Unofficial transcripts can be obtained for free at: https://apps.uillinois.edu/selfservice/ 
3. Up-to-date CV or resume. 
4. Document with an answer to the following question. Your answer should be no longer than 500 words.
   1. Please explain why you believe you should receive this award, focusing on your academic achievements throughout your time at the Siebel School. 

Optional Materials:

1. Optional essays as detailed in the Cover Sheet. 

Apply: Please submit all materials as a single PDF by the due date and time (Monday, March 31st at 11:59PM CT) to the Siebel School Awards Team at awardsinfo@cs.illinois.edu. 

This award was established in 1997 by the late Gene Golub (BS Math '53, MA Stats '54, PhD Math '59, Hon. DSc '91), the Fletcher Jones Professor of CS at Stanford University. Golub established this scholarship in honor of two Illinois professors who influenced his life: Franz Hohn and John Purcell “Jack” Nash, pioneers in the field of applied and computational mathematics. 

Eligibility: Applicants must be undergraduates (freshmen, sophomores, or juniors) who will be enrolled in the Siebel School in Fall 2025. Selection is based on academic merit and given in recognition of outstanding scholarship and promise in applied mathematics, computational science, or scientific computing.

Required Materials:

1. Siebel School Awards Cover Sheet.
2. Unofficial transcripts for your current degree program at U of I. Unofficial transcripts can be obtained for free at: https://apps.uillinois.edu/selfservice/ 
3. Up-to-date CV or resume. 
4. Document with answer to the following questions. Your answer should be no longer than 500 words.
   1.  If you have an interest in applied mathematics, computational science, or scientific computing, please describe the courses you have taken in this area and the grades you received. Please provide any other information that would show that you have an interest in these areas (e.g., research) as well.

Optional Materials:

1. Optional essays as detailed in the Cover Sheet. 

Apply: Please submit all materials as a single PDF by the due date and time (Monday, March 31st at 11:59PM CT) to the Siebel School Awards Team at awardsinfo@cs.illinois.edu. 

Professor John R. Pasta became head of the department in 1964, the same year that the Digital Computer Laboratory was reorganized as the Department of Computer Science. The award was established by friends and colleagues upon his death in 1981.

Eligibility: Applicants must be exemplary CS juniors. In the past, two awards have been given, one for a student in the College of Engineering and one for a student in LAS (Math/CS, Statistics/CS, CS + X).

Required Materials:

1. Siebel School Awards Cover Sheet.
2. Unofficial transcripts for your current degree program at U of I. Unofficial transcripts can be obtained for free at: https://apps.uillinois.edu/selfservice/ 
3. Up-to-date CV or resume. 
4. Document with an answer to the following question. Your answer should be no longer than 500 words.
   1. Describe an example of your leadership experience in which you have positively influenced others, helped resolve disputes, or contributed to group efforts over time. This does not need to be school-related and can mean more than just a title; you may describe taking the lead role in organizing an event or project or having explicit responsibilities to take care of a family member or others close to you. Please consider sharing what you accomplished and what you learned in your response.

Optional Materials:

1. Optional essays as detailed in the Cover Sheet. 

Apply: Please submit all materials as a single PDF by the due date and time (Monday, March 31st at 11:59PM CT) to the Siebel School Awards Team at awardsinfo@cs.illinois.edu. 

The Slotnick Scholarship is for undergraduates (freshmen, sophomores, and juniors) who will be enrolled in the Siebel School in the Fall of 2025. Scholarships are awarded based on academic merit; however, preference will be given to academically qualified students who demonstrate exceptional qualities of leadership and good citizenship. The recipient shall be a U.S. citizen who has been an Illinois resident for at least 2 years and who graduated from an Illinois high school. Prior recipients shall be eligible to receive the scholarship in subsequent years so long as they continue to meet the criteria, but prior recipients shall not receive preference. Professor Daniel L. Slotnick headed work on the ILLIAC IV which, at the time (1972-1982), was the fastest computer in the world. A pioneer in parallel computation, he remained on the CS faculty until his death in 1985.

Eligibility: Applicants must be be undergraduates (freshmen, sophomores, or juniors) who will be enrolled in the Siebel School in the Fall of 2025. Applicants must demonstrate academic merit; preference will be given to those that also display exceptional qualities of leadership and good citizenship. The recipient shall be a U.S. citizen who has been an Illinois resident for at least 2 years and who graduated from an Illinois high school. 

Required Materials:

1. Siebel School Awards Cover Sheet.
2. Unofficial transcripts for your current degree program at U of I. Unofficial transcripts can be obtained for free at: https://apps.uillinois.edu/selfservice/ 
3. Up-to-date CV or resume. 
4. Document with answers to the following questions. Your answers should each be no longer than 500 words.
   1. Have you lived in Illinois for the past 2 years?
   2. Did you graduate from an Illinois high school? What is the name of your high school?
   3. Please describe examples of leadership you have displayed in organizations, service, internships, and/or employment.

Optional Materials:

1. Optional essays as detailed in the Cover Sheet. 

Apply: Please submit all materials as a single PDF by the due date and time (Monday, March 31st at 11:59PM CT) to the Siebel School Awards Team at awardsinfo@cs.illinois.edu. 

 The ICCP James N. Snyder Memorial Award may be given to a student who has an interest in software development; traditionally, juniors are recognized.  Before he served as CS department head (1970-1985), Professor James N. Snyder, who was originally a physicist, was a programmer for ILLIAC I and helped design ILLIAC II. He helped establish the Institute for the Certificate of Computer Professionals (ICCP) and served on its board of directors. Professor Snyder was Head of the Department from 1970-1985, which were rapid-growth years. This award was established by friends and colleagues upon his death in 1985. 

Eligibility: Applicants must be sophomores or juniors that demonstrate an interest in software development.

Required Materials:

1. Siebel School Awards Cover Sheet.
2. Unofficial transcripts for your current degree program at U of I. Unofficial transcripts can be obtained for free at: https://apps.uillinois.edu/selfservice/ 
3. Up-to-date CV or resume. 
4. Document with an answer to the following question. Your answer should be no longer than 500 words.

   1.  If you have an interest in applied software development, please describe the courses taken in this area and the grades you received in each course. Please provide any other information that would show that you have an interest in these areas (e.g., research). 

Optional Materials:

1. Optional essays as detailed in the Cover Sheet. 

Apply: Please submit all materials as a single PDF by the due date and time (Monday, March 31st at 11:59PM CT) to the Siebel School Awards Team at awardsinfo@cs.illinois.edu. 

Before he served as CS department head (1970-1985), Professor James N. Snyder, who was originally a physicist, was a programmer for ILLIAC I and helped design ILLIAC II. He helped establish the Institute for the Certificate of Computer Professionals (ICCP) and served on its board of directors. Professor Snyder was Head of the Department from 1970-1985, which were rapid-growth years. This award was established by friends and colleagues upon his death in 1985. The James N. Snyder Award is traditionally for current CS sophomores and a decision is made based on academic merit. In the past, one award has been given to a student in the College of Engineering and one to a student in LAS (Math/CS, Statistics/CS, CS + X). 

Eligibility:  The James N. Snyder Award for Scholastic Achievement is awarded to current sophomores studying Computer Science who show academic merit.

Required Materials:

1. Siebel School Awards Cover Sheet.
2. Unofficial transcripts for your current degree program at U of I. Unofficial transcripts can be obtained for free at: https://apps.uillinois.edu/selfservice/ 
3. Up-to-date CV or resume. 
4. Document with an answer to the following question. Your answer should be no longer than 500 words.
   1. Please explain why you believe you should receive this award, focusing on your academic achievements throughout your time at the Siebel School. 

Optional Materials:

1. Optional essays as detailed in the Cover Sheet. 

Apply: Please submit all materials as a single PDF by the due date and time (Monday, March 31st at 11:59PM CT) to the Siebel School Awards Team at awardsinfo@cs.illinois.edu. 

In recognition of the longtime contributions and services of Charles W. Gear, a pioneer in numerical analysis and scientific computing, to the University of Illinois and to the Siebel School of Computing and Data Science, contributions from alumni, friends, and former students established an endowed fund to annually honor two undergraduates who intend to pursue graduate studies. 

Eligibility: Applicants must be graduating seniors planning to attend graduate school. In the past, two awards have been given, one for a student in the College of Engineering and one for a student in LAS (Math/CS, Statistics/CS, CS + X).

Required Materials:

1. Siebel School Awards Cover Sheet.
2. Unofficial transcripts for your current degree program at U of I. Unofficial transcripts can be obtained for free at: https://apps.uillinois.edu/selfservice/ 
3. Up-to-date CV or resume. 
4. Document with an answer to the following question. Your answer should be no longer than 500 words.
   1. Please explain your current plan for attending graduate school. Include, if known, your intended school, program (e.g., MCS, MS, or PhD), and/or topic of study. 

Optional Materials:

1. Optional essays as detailed in the Cover Sheet. 

Apply: Please submit all materials as a single PDF by the due date and time (Monday, March 31st at 11:59PM CT) to the Siebel School Awards Team at awardsinfo@cs.illinois.edu. 

The family of Suhirtha Raj established The Suhirtha Raj Scholarship in 2021 to honor the memory of their beloved daughter and sister, who passed away unexpectedly in June 2020 following her junior year as a computer science student. She was a creative, fun loving and a compassionate human being who believed in equality for all. Her radiant smile, helping hands and fierce determination was an inspiration to many. She made her mark not only as an excelling student and an aspiring computer professional, but also as an accomplished dancer and a passionate teacher of other art forms including calligraphy. Suhirtha’s unconditional love and support made a lasting impact in the lives of her family, friends, and peers. Throughout her time at UIUC, as both a student and a teaching assistant, Suhirtha used every opportunity she got to teach and mentor fellow students. She was steadfast in her mission to ensure that each student she met had an opportunity to achieve, as she believed that success should be within everyone’s reach. She also believed in promoting and supporting women in STEM by being an active participant in organizations such as Women in Engineering. This scholarship is offered in hopes that the recipient will be able to pursue their dreams, despite the unique obstacles and challenges that stand in their path.

Eligibility: Applicants shall be undergraduates (freshmen, sophomores, or juniors) studying Computer Science at the Siebel School. Preference may be given to current freshmen. Preference shall be given to Computer Science students with a demonstrated financial need that are involved with or have an interest in the Society of Women Engineers, the Women in Engineering Program, or other similar or successor programs or organizations.

Required Materials:

1. Siebel School Awards Cover Sheet.
2. Unofficial transcripts for your current degree program at U of I. Unofficial transcripts can be obtained for free at: https://apps.uillinois.edu/selfservice/ 
3. Up-to-date CV or resume. 
4. Written confirmation (included in the body of your submission email) that you believe that you have a demonstrated financial need. Please do NOT disclose any further information in the body of your submission email. 
5. Document with an answer to the following question. Your answer should be no longer than 500 words.
   1. Please explain your involvement with and/or interest in the Society of Women Engineers, the Women in Engineering Program, or other similar or successor programs or organizations. If you are not involved with these programs/organizations, explain in detail how you plan to become involved.

Optional Materials:

1. Optional essays as detailed in the Cover Sheet. 

Apply: Please submit all materials as a single PDF by the due date and time (Monday, March 31st at 11:59PM CT) to the Siebel School Awards Team at awardsinfo@cs.illinois.edu.