For 25 years, Gary Wszalek has taken special care to make sure our undergraduate population is set up for success while pursuing their degree in psychology. He has received the LAS Award for Excellence in Undergraduate Advising three times, so it was no surprise to us to learn of his recent achievement.
Student Success @ Illinois (SSI) is a student-focused effort, prominently placed as Goal 2 in the Next 150 Strategic Plan. Their ten core values inform all policies, practices, and procedures to improve undergraduate student experiences at the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign. These core values are foundational to the SSI and promote structural and systemic change across the university.
This year, they have chosen Gary to receive the, "Sustained Excellence in Undergraduate Academic Advising Award." This award honors exceptional academic advisors who have demonstrated a long-term commitment—typically five years or more—to guiding undergraduate students through critical academic, personal, and professional milestones. The selected recipient exemplifies the transformative role of academic advising through sustained dedication, deep expertise, and compassionate mentorship and shows a lasting impact on the Illinois student experience.
Congratulations, Gary!