The University of Illinois Springfield recognized four outstanding individuals last week during its 2025 Alumni Gala at the Student Union. The event celebrated their professional achievements, service to the university, and contributions to society.
Cheri Bustos received the 2025 Alumni Achievement Award for her remarkable career in public service and journalism. A graduate of UIS’s Public Affairs Reporting program, Bustos was the first UIS alum to serve in the U.S. Congress, representing Illinois’ 17th Congressional District from 2013 to 2023. She made history as the first woman elected to Congress from her district and served in key leadership roles, including on the influential Appropriations Committee. Before her tenure in Congress, Bustos was an award-winning journalist and later a corporate communications executive. She currently leads the Illinois operations for Mercury, a public strategy firm.
Professor Emeritus Charles N. Wheeler III was honored with the 2025 Distinguished Service Award for his extraordinary contributions to UIS and the field of journalism. Wheeler directed the Public Affairs Reporting program for over 26 years, mentoring more than 500 students who have achieved notable success, including Pulitzer and Emmy Award winners. A respected figure in Illinois political reporting, Wheeler served as president of the Illinois Legislative Correspondents Association for 16 terms.
Julie Pryde, a UIS Master of Public Health graduate, was presented with the 2025 Alumni Humanitarian Award for her impactful leadership as administrator of the Champaign-Urbana Public Health District. Pryde has dedicated her career to advancing public health, grant writing, and research, holding multiple degrees from the University of Illinois system. Her work has significantly improved the well-being of her community.
The inaugural UIS Rising Star Alumni Award was awarded to Molly Berendt, a 2019 Master of Public Administration graduate. Berendt is the founder and CEO of Compass for Kids, a nonprofit organization supporting underserved youth in Springfield. Under her guidance, the organization has grown to serve over 1,000 K-12 students annually, providing academic and social-emotional support. Berendt has been recognized with several honors, including being named a "Forty Under 40" by the Springfield Business Journal.