Awards and honors

The Young Alumni Award 2014 — eli williamson ’02

Luther lists eli as its 2014 recipient. The award recognizes early professional achievement, leadership, and service to the college or society.

Luther College — Committed to Service ↗

Major General John A. Logan Patriot Award

Presented during Chicago’s Memorial Day ceremony for eli’s work founding and leading Leave No Veteran Behind and helping veterans access jobs and educational debt relief.

Major George A. Smith HOOAH Award

The National Conference on Citizenship names eli its 2017 recipient. The award honors a veteran whose citizenship is expressed through service in uniform and afterward.

McCormick work in the HOOAH Award program

Retrospective: the National Conference on Citizenship’s 2017 program describes eli’s earlier McCormick leadership in place-based veteran grantmaking as part of his HOOAH Award biography.

The Mighty 25

We Are The Mighty included eli in its 2017 list of 25 veterans to watch, citing Leave No Veteran Behind’s employment, transitional jobs, and debt relief work. This is a published recognition rather than a formal award.

American Red Cross Military Heroes

The American Red Cross of Illinois honored eli and Leave No Veteran Behind cofounder Roy Sartin together for their ongoing community work connecting veterans with service opportunities.

Outstanding Commitment to Community Services

Illinois State Treasurer Michael Frerichs recognized eli during a Black History Month ceremony on February 28. Chicago State University identifies him among six honorees.

Crain’s 2020 Notable Veteran Executives

Crain’s Chicago Business recognition of veteran executives. Explore the publisher’s 2020 honoree list through the link below.

Luther College Distinguished Service Award

Luther named eli and Roy Brown Sartin among its 2022 recipients for service to society through their work with veterans and communities.

Watch the Distinguished Service Award video ↗

Doctor of Humanities, honoris causa

eli’s biography states that The Chicago School of Professional Psychology conferred this honorary doctorate in 2023. His Chicago commencement address offers a companion record of the occasion.