The results are in for the 2026 Best of UIS and Beyond Contest! Organized and hosted by The Observer, the contest is an opportunity for UIS students, faculty and staff to make their voices and opinions heard, and to be entered to win one of several prizes, such as gift cards to local businesses.

In March, the UIS community weighed in to nominate entries for each category and in April they cast their votes. This list highlights the winners and gives a shoutout to those who placed second and third for each category.

                  The full list of results will be released over the next few days.

Best Campus Event: Springfest

Springfest, organized yearly by the Student Activities Committee and one of the campus’s longest standing traditions was voted Best Campus Event. This year the multiday event, which ran April 22-28 included a team scavenger hunt, capture the flag, tug of war, a community service project and more. UIS Star Parties, hosted by the on-campus Observatory, and Campus Movement’s (CAMO) 20,000 water balloon fight placed second and third.

Best UIS Sport: Women’s Soccer

For the second year in a row, Women’s Soccer took the title of Best UIS Sport, with baseball and Men’s Basketball placing second and third.

Best Student Organization: Muslim Student Association

The Muslim Student Association won Best Student Organization of 2026. The MSA ramped up their operations this year, including hosting their very first public iftar, which is the name for the meal eaten after sundown to break fast during Ramadan. The Student Activities Committee and the History Club took second and third place, respectively.

“It feels good to be recognized and respected throughout the university. We are glad to have been able to create a comfortable space for not just Muslims, but for everyone on campus. We are grateful for everyone who supports us,” said MSA president Aalia Azeem.

Best Place to Get a Taco: Taqueria El Dorado

For the second year in a row, El Dorado took the title of Best Place to Get a Taco. Located just a few minutes from campus on Toronto Road, El Dorado is the closest off-campus option for tacos. The Taco Joint and AZ-T-CA Mexican Grill placed second and third, respectively.

Best Place to Get Your Nails Done: Luxe Nail Bar

Luxe Nail Bar, 3203 Veterans Parkway, was voted by the UIS community the Best Place to Get Your Nails done in Springfield. Soak Nail Massage & Spa took second place and Hana Nails Comfort Spa took third.