2026 John R. Pasta Award

Professor John R. Pasta became head of the department in 1964, the same year that the Digital Computer Laboratory was reorganized as the Department of Computer Science. The award was established by friends and colleagues upon his death in 1981.

Eligibility: Applicants must be exemplary CS juniors. In the past, two awards have been given, one for a student in the College of Engineering and one for a student in LAS (Math/CS, Statistics/CS, CS + X).

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):

Describe an example of your leadership experience in which you have positively influenced others, helped resolve disputes, or contributed to group efforts over time. This does not need to be school-related and can mean more than just a title; you may describe taking the lead role in organizing an event or project or having explicit responsibilities to take care of a family member or others close to you. Please consider sharing what you accomplished and what you learned in your response.

Award
$1,000.00
Deadline
04/26/2026
Supplemental Questions
  1. Please confirm the following: "I am a junior currently pursuing an undergraduate degree from the Siebel School."
  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: describe an example of your leadership experience in which you have positively influenced others, helped resolve disputes, or contributed to group efforts over time. This does not need to be school-related and can mean more than just a title; you may describe taking the lead role in organizing an event or project or have explicit responsibilities to take care of a family member or others close to you. Please consider sharing what you accomplished and what you learned in your response.