Simon-Edgar Statesmanship Award

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Last Updated: Jan 30, 2026, 10:43 AM

Simon-Edgar Statesmanship Award

What is the Simon-Edgar Award?

The annual Simon-Edgar Statesmanship Award is presented to an 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.

The Simon-Edgar Statesmanship Award shines a spotlight on remarkable leadership that is taking place in our state and our communities, inspiring current and future public servants to act in the best traditions of Illinois.

Why the Award Was Created? 

Institute Director John Shaw and former Illinois Governor Jim Edgar discuss why they launched the award in this video.

See Previous Winners

Nominations for the 2026 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, 2026.

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 Paul Simon-Jim Edgar Statesmanship Award?

Anyone is able to submit nominations for the award.

Who is eligible for the award?

Nominees must hold or have recently held an elected position in the state of Illinois at either the state or local level.

When are nominations due?

Nominations will be accepted until June 15th.

Can I nominate multiple people for the award?

Yes. You must submit a separate letter for each nominee or fill out a separate nomination form for each nominee.

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.