2026 James N. Snyder Award for Scholastic Achievement

Before he served as CS department head (1970-1985), Professor James N. Snyder, who was originally a physicist, was a programmer for ILLIAC I and helped design ILLIAC II. He helped establish the Institute for the Certificate of Computer Professionals (ICCP) and served on its board of directors. Professor Snyder was Head of the Department from 1970-1985, which were rapid-growth years. This award was established by friends and colleagues upon his death in 1985. The James N. Snyder Award is traditionally for current CS sophomores and a decision is made based on academic merit. In the past, one award has been given to a student in the College of Engineering and one to a student in LAS (Math/CS, Statistics/CS, CS + X).

Eligibility: The James N. Snyder Award for Scholastic Achievement is awarded to current sophomores studying Computer Science who show academic merit.

Required Materials:

- Unofficial transcripts for your current degree program at U of I. Unofficial transcripts can be obtained for free at: https://apps.uillinois.edu/selfservice/

- Up-to-date CV or resume.

- Essay that answers the following (500 words maximum):

Please explain why you believe you should receive this award, focusing on your academic achievements throughout your time at the Siebel School.

Award
$750.00
Deadline
04/26/2026
Supplemental Questions
  1. Please confirm the following: "I am a current sophomore studying Computer Science."
  2. Please provide unofficial transcripts for your current degree program at U of I.
  3. Please upload your current CV or resume.
  4. Please provide an answer to the following: explain why you believe you should receive this award, focusing on your academic achievements throughout your time at the Siebel School.