Simon–Edgar Statesmanship Award

NOMINATIONS FOR THE 2025 SIMON-EDGAR STATESMANSHIP AWARD ARE OPEN.

The annual Simon-Edgar Statesmanship Award is presented to a former or current elected state or local government official in Illinois who has demonstrated a pattern of public service characterized by vision, courage, compassion, effectiveness, civility, and bipartisanship.

Nominate an Illinois state or local elected official who has displayed this kind of exceptional leadership. We created the Simon-Edgar Statesmanship Award to shine a spotlight on remarkable public service that is taking place in our state and local communities. Therefore, those holding federal office – in the U.S. House and Senate, for example – are not eligible.

Please submit your nominations by June 1, 2025.

The award will be announced at the August meeting of the Edgar Fellows Program. The recipient will be recognized and invited to give remarks there as well as at an event hosted later in the year by the Paul Simon Public Policy Institute.

Nomination Form

Who can submit nominations for the Paul Simon-Jim Edgar Statesmanship Award?

Who is eligible for the award?

When are nominations due?

Can I nominate multiple people for the award?

How do I nominate someone for the award?

To nominate a candidate or candidates, please fill out the nomination form.

An additional option is to write a brief letter describing how the person has displayed the qualities of statesmanship outlined above. Include a biographical summary or resume of the nominee if you have it. Send an email to PaulSimonInstitute@siu.edu or send your letter to Paul Simon Public Policy Institute, Southern Illinois University, Attn: Paul Simon-Jim Edgar Statesmanship Award, Mail Code 4429, 1231 Lincoln Drive, Carbondale, IL 62901-4304.

Simon–Edgar Statesmanship Award | Paul Simon Public Policy Institute | SIU

Paul Simon Public Policy Institute

Main Navigation

Contact Us