Outstanding Master’s Thesis Awards

The Outstanding Master’s Thesis/Project Award is funded primarily through an endowment established by Nancy and Charles Chapin, along with gifts from other donors. In addition to providing funding for the Outstanding Master’s Thesis/Project Award, Charles and Nancy Chapin have provided support for Brookens Library, the Chancellor’s Fund for Excellence, and scholarships. Charles, associated with the Chapin & Chapin law firm for over 50 years, joined Brown, Hay & Stephens as Of Counsel in 2002. He passed away in 2015. Both Charles and Nancy have exhibited an interest in local history, having contributed articles and booklets to various local organizations over the years. Nancy earned a Master’s degree in Psychology from Sangamon State University (now UIS) in 1973 and continues to be active in the Springfield community and at UIS. 

Schedule of Events

Welcome, Chancellor

Presentation by the 2019 Outstanding Master’s Thesis Award Recipient

• Rashaun DeBord* (Devin Hunter - Thesis Chair) “Bring Past to Light: Memory, Place, and Reconciliation of the Springfield Race Riot of 1908”

Presentation by the 2020 Outstanding Master’s Thesis Award Recipient

• Nicholas Dabbs* (Dr. Lan Dong - Thesis Chair) “Queer Literature”

Presentation of Achievement Awards, Provost

• 2019 Outstanding Master’s Thesis Award - Rashaun DeBord
• 2019 Honorable Mention - Joshua Rai
• 2020 Outstanding Master’s Thesis Award - Nicholas Dabbs
• 2020 Honorable Mention - Jennifer Thomas

Concluding Remarks, Provost