The UIS 2025 ‘Best of” Contest has officially ended, and the winners are in! We will release the winners, as well as the runners up, over the course of the next week.

Our first round of winners includes:

Best Place to Study on Campus: Brookens Library!

Not only does Brookens provide an atmosphere free of most outside distractions, but it also contains many resources to assist in studying. The UIS Student Union and Diversity Center took second and third place, respectively.

Best Place to Study off Campus: Home!

Many people prefer the comfort of their own homes. However, second and third place for this category show that many people also enjoy the comfort of coffee shops. Hae’s Bakery and Coffee Shop placed second and Starbucks placed third.

Best Locally Owned Business: Café Moxo!

Dumb records took second place and Meii Tea placed third. The Observer spoke with Café Moxo owner, Mark Forinash, about their victory in this category.

“I can say we are very honored that our business would be considered in any ‘Best of,’ let alone considered to be the ‘Best Locally Owned Business’.” Forinash stated.

Forinash expressed pride at having won in this category but stressed that the real credit belongs to his employees. “We have a talented and dedicated crew that understands the importance of ‘showing up’ each and every day. I think winning this award is more a direct reflection of the character these folks embody on a daily basis.”

“We keep business, service, food and most important the community in mind every day that we are fortunate enough unlock our doors and work as hard as possible to earn your business.” Forinash continued.

He also thanked the UIS faculty, staff, and students for their contributions to the community and for recognizing Café Moxo’s role in that community. “To the professors, administrations and all the support staff at UIS we thank you for the dedication to the students and our community. To the students of UIS— work hard, play hard and we at Café Moxo look forward to the things that you will achieve and the paths that you have already begun to develop.”

Check back in on Friday, April 25 for the second round of winners!