Early Career Achievement Awards
Early Career Achievement Awards (ECAA) recognize younger College of Business graduates who have demonstrated innovative and responsible professional leadership, the potential for future distinction and a commitment to serving others. One honoree is selected from each College of Business degree program. They return to campus to receive their award and share advice with current College of Business students through panel discussions.
2026 - 2027 Award Recipients
Alex Anderson
Alex is a Senior Manager in PwC’s Consumer and Industrial Products and Services Assurance practice, specializing in leading PCAOB audits for public companies.
Rakesh Chandra
Rakesh is an Enterprise Architect at McDonald’s Corporation, where he leads the global adoption of Artificial Intelligence across international operations.
Michael Currie
Michael earned a Bachelor of Science in Finance and a Bachelor of Science in Accounting from Illinois State University in May2016 and has been a practicing CPA in public accounting since.
Gianna D'Amico
Gianna has built a successful career in employee benefits consulting. As an Account Executive at Stumm Insurance, she advisesemployers nationwide on employee benefits strategy, compliance, and execution.
Kristen Dunne
Kristen serves as a Senior Enterprise Client Success Manager at Sprocket Sports, an all-in-one youthsports management platform.
Allison Dykeman
Allison is the Training and Development Specialist at Harrell’s, where she leads the Learning and Development department.
Collin Geninatti
Collin is the Director of Alternative Investment Strategy at Edward Jones, where he leads the firm’s strategy for alternativeinvestments, integrating product strategy, asset allocation, and investment research.
Kevin LeClair
Kevin is a relationship management professional with more than 15 years of experience in membership retention, sales, andclient engagement.
Trevor Nigus
Trevor is an operations leader and community builder. After graduating in 2020 during the COVID-19pandemic, Trevor joined DHL Supply Chain.
Tanner Schultz
Tanner has spent the entirety of his career in the wholesale insurance brokerage industry, with aspecialized focus on the healthcare sector. He is Senior Vice President at RT Specialty.
Beau Swinford
Beau began his accounting career at PwC, where he worked in the Asset Management Tax and Capital Markets Advisorygroups. In the tax group, he prepared partnership tax returns and K-1s for fund investors.
Madison Weiss
Madison serves as the Training Coordinator in the Business Training Center at Black Hawk College in Moline, Illinois.
Previous Award Recipients
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Class of 2025/2026
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Class of 2024/2025
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Class of 2023/2024
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Class of 2022/2023
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Class of 2021/2022
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Class of 2020/2021
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Class of 2019/2020
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Class of 2018/2019
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Class of 2017/2018
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Class of 2016/2017
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Class of 2015/2016
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Class of 2014/2015
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Class of 2013/2014
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Class of 2012/2013
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Class of 2011/2012
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Class of 2010/2011
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Class of 2009/2010
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Class of 2008/2009
Nomination Guidelines
Nominees must be an alum who graduated from one of the programs in the College of Business.
Nominations close February 28th.
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Career Accomplishments
- Exemplary professional capabilities as demonstrated through entrepreneurial success, rapid promotions, industry recognition, or innovative practices leading to measurable outcomes.
- Demonstrated innovative and responsible professional leadership and the potential for distinction in the long term.
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Personal Characteristics
- Embodies the five core principals outlined in the College of Business Standards of Professional Behavior and Ethical Conduct: responsibility, honesty, respect, fairness, and trust.
- Shown a substantial commitment to the service of others.
- Continued his or her professional growth through education or professional credentials.
More Information
If you have any questions about the Early Career Achievement Awards, please contact:
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Steve Vandiver
Executive Director of Marketing
College of Business
Campus Box 5500
Normal, IL 61790-5500
shvandi@ilstu.edu