CHAMPAIGN, Ill. - The University of Illinois Division of Intercollegiate Athletics held the inaugural Academic and Achievement Dinner on Wednesday night as administrators, coaches, faculty members and academic support staff gathered to celebrate the academic achievements of Illini student-athletes. Hosted by Academic Services and Student-Athlete Development, 145 student-athletes were recognized for excellence in the classroom. 
"Our student-athletes are so often recognized for their athletic achievements and in creating this event we've been able to be very intentional about celebrating the remarkable academic achievements of the young men and women who wear the Fighting Illini uniform." Associate Athletic Director for Academic Services and Student-Athlete Development Brian Russell said. "These student-athletes represent the top 15% academically of our entire student-athlete population and embody a cross-section of a multitude of academic colleges, departments and majors at Illinois. These student-athletes have dedicated time, effort, and energy into achieving at extraordinary high levels in all facets of their student-athlete lives. We are unapologetically proud of how they represent Illinois."
"This was a very special event for me, not only because it highlights extraordinary academic efforts being made by our student-athletes, but also because there were so many being honored," Director of Athletics Josh Whitman said. "Taking advantage of the incredible academic opportunities at Illinois was very important for me during my time here, and as an Athletics Director our first priority is to graduate our student-athletes with the tools to be successful in life. I'm impressed that so many of our student-athletes are performing academically at a very high level."
4.0 GPA Recognition
The following student-athletes were recognized for earning a perfect 4.0 GPA in Fall 2018:
Chi Alpha Sigma
Chi Alpha Sigma is a National College Athlete Honor Society established to recognize collegiate student-athletes who earn a varsity letter in at least one sport, while maintaining a cumulative GPA of at least 3.4. The mission of Chi Alpha Sigma is to encourage and reward high academic scholarship of student-athletes; to recognize outstanding academic achievement; to encourage good citizenship, moral character, and friendship; to recognize and honor the individual athlete, sport, athletic department, and university; and to mentor and provide leadership to other student-athletes. The following student-athletes were recognized as Chi Alpha Sigma inductees:
The following student-athletes were recognized as Chi Alpha Sigma graduating seniors and were presented with honors cords:
Big Ten Distinguished Scholars
To be eligible for consideration to be a Big Ten Distinguished Scholar, a student-athlete must be concluding sophomore year or above and have earned a minimum 3.7 GPA (excluding any summer grades). The following student-athletes were recognized for being named Big Ten Distinguished Scholars for the 2017-2018 academic year:
Wayne Duke Postgraduate Award
The Wayne Duke is an Annual award named after the former Big Ten commissioner who served from 1971-1989. During his tenure, Duke was known as a champion working to improve academic standards and graduation rates for student-athletes in the Big Ten conference. Each Big Ten school nominates one male and one female senior student-athlete for achievements in academics, athletics, extracurricular activities, & leadership
To be eligible for consideration, a nominee must:
1. Honorably represent a Big Ten Conference institution, exhibiting excellence in academics, athletics, and civic service while displaying strong character and leadership skills.
2. Be an undergraduate who is competing in: (a.) His/her last season of athletic eligibility, and, (b,) A varsity sport sponsored by his/her Big Ten Conference institution.
3. Plan to enroll in graduate or professional school within eighteen (18) months of graduation.
