The Larsen Award was established in 1992 to honor individuals and/or groups that make significant contributions to the campus consistent with the general mission of the Counseling Center. It has been presented annually to any person or group who enhances student development and maximizes student capabilities to make effective and satisfying life choices. Eligibility is open to any person or group that is part of the university community (except for individuals associated with the Counseling Center).

The primary goal of the Counseling Center is to enhance student development and maximize student capabilities to make effective and satisfying life choices. In pursuit of the goal, the Center’s efforts extend beyond services for individuals to impact the campus environment in which the students operate. In order to support those who join with the Center in this focus on the campus, the Robert P. Larsen Human Development Award has been created. Separate awards are given to individuals and to a group making a significant contribution to the campus consistent with the general mission of the Counseling Center.

Award

Each winner receives a plaque and cash award. Recipients will also be honored on a permanent plaque located in the Counseling Center lobby at the Fred H. Turner Student Services Building. The award is named in honor of Robert P. Larsen, who was a staff member at the Center for more than fifty years.

2020

No recipients were recognized due to the COVID-19 pandemic and the need to physically distance. We are looking forward to continuing this award in 2021!

2019

Derrius Carter
Housing Multicultural Advocate

SKY @ UIUC

2018

Katherine Snyder
Office of the Dean of Students

English Department Academic Advisors

2017

Patricia Morey
Women's Resources Center

College of Law Mindfulness Meditation Group

2016

Farah Chalisa
Illinois Student Senate

Community Learning Lab

2015

Dr. Joycelyn Landrum-Brown
Office of Inclusion and Intercultural Relations

McKinley Health Center Stress Management Peers

2014

Damani R. Bolden
Student Body President

Teryl P. Brewster
Diversity and Social Justice Education Program Coordinator, Office of Inclusion and Intercultural Relations

Residential Life Action Plan Committee on Proactive Mental Health Initiatives

2013 

Susan Gershenfeld
Director, Illinois Promise Student Services

Un-Yeong Park
Ed.D. Candidate in Human Resource Development, 
Career Coach for International Students and Adults

2012

Ashley M. Davis
Assistant Director, Bruce D. Nesbitt African American Cultural Center

Bruce D. Nesbitt African American Cultural Center