ISU Honors Dr. David Sam With Alumni Award
Dr. David Sam will receive the Illinois State University Alumni Achievement Award on April 24, recognizing his significant professional accomplishments and leadership, including his current role as president of Bermuda College.
An Illinois State University spokesperson said, “Dr. David Sam of Paget Parish, Bermuda, will receive the Illinois State University Alumni Achievement Award at the annual Alumni Awards celebration on April 24.
“This award recognizes significant achievements of alumni to society, their profession or Illinois State. Selection is based upon significant accomplishments in one’s chosen field. This is measured by noting favorable statewide, national, or international recognition; honors from associations or employers; or documentation illustrating work that has proved beneficial to a pronounced segment of society.
“Sam assumed the presidency of Bermuda College in August 2024, where he is working closely with stakeholders to elevate the institution and set a new standard of excellence. Prior to this role, he served for 17.5 years as president of Elgin Community College [ECC] in Illinois and previously held senior leadership and faculty positions at community colleges and universities across the country, including Lone Star College–North Harris, the University of Akron, Harrisburg Area Community College, Mott Community College, and the College of DuPage.
“Under Sam’s leadership, ECC earned national recognition as a Top 25 Community College of Excellence by the Aspen Institute in 2023 and was named among the Top 150 colleges multiple times. He led a $178 million campus transformation referendum, secured top bond ratings from Moody’s and Standard & Poor’s, and oversaw a period during which 57 percent of all degrees and certificates in the college’s history were awarded. ECC also achieved multiple designations from Achieving the Dream for institutional excellence and student success.
“A native of Ghana and an Illinois State University alumnus, Sam earned multiple undergraduate degrees from ISU before completing advanced graduate and professional degrees from Tufts University, Northwestern University, the University of Akron, and the University of Dundee. He remains active in higher education and community leadership through board service and professional organizations and has received numerous honors for ethical leadership, service, and innovation.
“The Illinois State University Alumni Association is a volunteer, non-profit organization that serves more than 243,000 alumni, the University, and its students. Each year the Association recognizes individuals who personify the university’s traditions as an environment for excellence. Established in 1971, the awards program has grown to six award categories including the Outstanding Young Alumni Award, Alumni Achievement Award, E. Burton Mercier Service Award, Distinguished Alumnus Award, the Senator John Maitland, Jr., Commitment to Education Award, and the Andrew Purnell Jr. Trailblazer Award.”
