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.
Round 3 winners include:
Best Student Organization: Baking Club!
The UIS Baking Club was voted the best student organization at UIS! According to their UIS Connections page, the UIS Baking Club’s “main goal is to help in relaxation and entertainment while baking some yummy treats.” They also collaborate with other organizations to host “bake sales and fundraising events.” The Student Activities Committee (SAC)came in second place and the Queer Student Ambassador Program placed third.
Best Feature on Campus: The Koi Pond!
The UIS community voted the koi pond outside the Health & Sciences Building (HSB) as the best campus feature. The UIS Student Union and the Diversity Center came in second and third.
Best Springfield Sightseeing Destination: Lake Springfield!
While Springfield has many attractions, it seems natural beauty tops them all! The Illinois State Museum took second place and the Abraham Lincoln Presidential Library and Museum took third.
Best Springfield Establishment to Hang out With Friends: Hae’s Bakery and Coffee Shoppe!
Second place went to the Wakery and third to Obed and Isaac’s Restaurant & Microbrewery.
Best Off- Campus Coffee Shop: Hae’s Bakery and Coffee Shoppe!
Hae’s took first place in two categories! Grab-A-Java and the Wakery placed second and third.
Amy Benad, owner of Hae’s, spoke with The Observer about winning twice in this contest. She stated, “I was aware that we were nominated for a few categories. I felt very honored to be nominated by the students at UIS.”
Benad explained that these victories felt to her like an extension of community, “We love serving our community and wouldn’t be where we are today without the support of Springfield.”
“Thank you for supporting Hae’s. We want to wish all the students the best of luck with school, sports, jobs, or whatever it may be,” Benad stated.
Most Helpful Staff Member: Daniel Aguilar!
Aguilar is the program coordinator in the UIS Diversity Center! Second place went to Debbie Harder, in the College of Liberal Arts and Sciences, and third place to Robin Vansacik, a Senior Academic Advisor and Adjunct Instructor in the Office of Engaged Learning.
Aguilar spoke on his nomination for this category, “It came as a nice surprise. The idea that students would take the time to nominate me was really affirming. Just to be nominated was enough to fill my cup.”
On his victory, Aguilar stated, “I am honored and humbled.”
He called attention to the efforts of all UIS staff members, “There are so many staff members who do great work to help students.”
“In the Diversity Center, I just try to show up authentically and support where I can.” Aguilar explained. “For me, it’s about doing the work.”
The next and final round of winners will be announced on Wednesday, April 30!
