Simon–Edgar Statesmanship Award

Nominations for 2022 award are open now. Nominate by June 1.

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.

To nominate a candidate or candidates, 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.

Please submit your nominations by June 1.

An advisory committee will review the nominations and recommend finalists for our consideration.
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.