Illinois State University’s College of Business (COB) will host its Early Career Achievement Awards ceremony during Homecoming 2025. Early Career Achievement Awards (ECAA) recognize younger graduates who have demonstrated innovative and responsible professional leadership, the potential for future distinction, and a commitment to serving others. One honoree is selected from each degree program.
This year 12 recipients representing the different departments throughout the COB will be in attendance to accept their awards. These recipients return to campus to receive their awards and share advice with current students through panel discussions during Homecoming celebrations at Illinois State.
Early Career Achievement Award winners must show the following characteristics:
- Graduate from one of the College of Business programs.
- Exemplary professional capabilities as demonstrated through entrepreneurial success, rapid promotions, industry recognition, or innovative practices leading to measurable outcomes.
- Demonstrated innovative and responsible professional leadership and the potential for distinction in the long term.
- Embodies the five core principles of responsibility, honesty, respect, fairness, and trust as outlined in the College of Business Standards of Professional Behavior and Ethical Conduct.
- Shown a substantial commitment to the service of others.
- Continued his or her professional growth through education or professional credentials.
2025 Early Career Achievement Award Winners
- Briana Allen ’17, Insurance | Broker Director, AIG
- Virgel Caval ’20, Advanced Marketing Analytics | Sr. Product Manager, Hulu
- Jacob Clapsaddle ’13, Human Resource Management | HR Business Partner, National Heritage Academies
- Evin Delisi ’17, Finance | Vice President, Houlihan Lokey
- April Fornero ’16, Business Administration | Director, Heartland Community College Pontiac, Heartland Community College
- Dalton Manci ’18, Business Information Systems | Global Program Manager, Meta
- Annelise Mool ’18, Financial Accounting | Finance Manager, Walt Disney Imagineering
- Jeff Nichols ’17, Professional Sales | Executive, Salesforce/Mulesoft
- Holly Peterson ’14, Entrepreneurship/Small Business Management | Customer Success Manager, Spindle
- Molly Reinhardt ’19, Integrated Marketing Communications | Director of Sales Development, BigCommerce
- Michaela Spreier ’20, B.S./M.P.A. | Tax Manager, KPMG
- Anthony Thompson ’17, Organizational Leadership | Senior Integration Consultant, HR M&A, Salesforce
You can learn more about the Early Career Achievement Award winners online.
