PURPOSE:
The purpose of the Torch of Leadership Award is to recognize alumni of the Illinois Agricultural Leadership Program and significant friends who have demonstrated exceptional leadership skills through personal commitment and service to agriculture in their occupation, community, government, or education. These contributions can be at a local, state, national, or international level and will be evaluated based on the information provided in the nomination form.
ELIGIBILITY:
The Torch of Leadership Award will be given to nominated individuals who are graduates of the Illinois Agricultural Leadership Program or significant friends of the IALF. Individual contributions can be made over any period of time, and nominees may be currently active or previously active, living, or deceased.
SELECTION CRITERIA AND PROCESS:
Nominations will be accepted in odd-numbered years and awarded that same year in conjunction with the Biennial CONNECT IALP Event. It is an honor to be nominated for the Torch of Leadership Award; however, the names of those nominated will not be revealed.
All nominations should follow the format of the nomination form to ensure all relevant information is included and must be received prior to the published deadline date. Nominations will only be considered for that year. If a nominee is not selected, a new application may be submitted every four years (basically, skipping the next biennial award before reapplying).
Nominations will be due by the date posted each year and will be reviewed by the Illinois Agricultural Leadership Alumni (IALA) Board of Directors. The IALA Board may give up to three awards per year as it so determines based on nominations of agricultural producers, agribusiness professionals, or friend of the IALF. The accomplishments of these nominees will be evaluated on their own merit, but allowing three potential awards provides the IALA Board with the flexibility to evaluate excellence and leadership contributions made from the farm separately from those with corporate office access and experience.
Giving the Torch of Leadership Award is the sole responsibility of the IALA Board and may not be appealed by those making the nominations.
To submit a nomination please visit HERE.
