Paul Simon Democracy Prize Winners | Paul Simon Public Policy Institute | SIU

Connor Wielgos from the University of Illinois at Chicago. He will organize a discussion series on public policy issues pertaining to the Chicago Bears’ plan to build a stadium and entertainment district in Arlington Heights.

Naya Busbea from McKendree University in Lebanon. She will launch a pilot project in which political science students at McKendree will work with local middle and high school students to better understand the challenges and opportunities of democracy.

LaMya Roach, Emma McConnell, Vivian Walter, and Darian Chess from Southern Illinois University Carbondale. They will establish a discussion and interaction series involving students, community residents, and public officials in the Carbondale area.