We work with excellent people who do awesome things. Help your colleagues get the recognition they deserve by nominating them for the 2026 IT Recognition Awards.
A UW–Madison tradition since 2020, the annual IT Recognition Awards honor colleagues who excel at what they do and strengthen our IT community. All UW–Madison Academic Staff and University Staff working in information and technology fields are eligible. Nominations are due Friday, May 1.
Award categories
You can nominate a colleague in any of seven award categories:
- Ellen La Luzerne Award for Community Engagement: Recognizes a member in the IT community for their role as a community builder and active volunteer in professional service to the broader community
- Janet E. Plato Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Award: Recognizes and celebrates the exemplary leadership displayed by an IT staff member in advancing diversity, equity and inclusion in our community
- Lifetime Achievement: Recognizes the continued contributions of a community member (emeritus and/or retired staff are also eligible) whose body of work throughout their career has had a significant impact on the success of the university
- Rising Star: Recognizes a rising IT community member whose record reflects ongoing and exceptional growth in contribution to the profession
- Team Achievement: Recognizes a team of IT community members whose collective work on one or more projects has made a significant impact on the university
- Transformational Achievement: Recognizes an IT community member who made a significant impact in transforming the university through their work on a specific major IT project or initiative
- Unsung Hero: Recognizes a member of the IT community who is responsive and proactive, making a real difference to their colleagues, yet whose contributions may receive little formal recognition
Selection process
A committee of IT peers from across the university will review all nominations and select this year’s honorees. Review these resources before you submit to help your nomination shine:
The 2026 honorees will receive their awards during a ceremony at the IT Professionals Conference on May 28.
Questions about the nomination process or awards? Email it-awards@cio.wisc.edu.