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FAA Legacy Awards

In celebration of both past legacies and emerging voices in the arts, the College of Fine and Applied Arts sponsors the FAA Legacy Awards. These awards recognize college alumni and friends who have demonstrated courage, curiosity, and passion in their work. We are honoring lifelong learners and advocates, individuals who have impacted their fields in transformative ways—catalysts with distinguished service to the arts.

Associate Dean for Advancement Jon Salvani shaking hands with a Legacy Award recipient at the ceremony.

Awards

Legacy Awards are presented annually during a ceremony that takes place on campus in the fall. During the Legacy Award ceremony the college also inducts new members of The Guild, a group of alumni, faculty, and friends of FAA who are recognized posthumously for their distinguished contributions.

Legacy Awards

Distinguished Legacy Award

Awarded to FAA alumni who have attained outstanding success and national or international distinction in their chosen profession or life’s work and whose accomplishments reflect admirably on, or bring honor to, the College of Fine and Applied Arts and the University of Illinois. Distinguished Legacy Award guidelines

Emerging Legacy Award

Recognizes FAA alumni early in their careers who have made outstanding professional contributions to their field since graduating. Emerging Legacy Award guidelines

Illinois Arts Legacy Award

Recognizes volunteers, staff, loyal performers, affiliated artists, etc. who are not necessarily graduates of FAA but whose contributions have made a significant impact in the arts at Illinois. Illinois Arts Legacy Award guidelines

Nominations for the 2026 Legacy Awards will open in January 2026.