Northern Illinois University's College of Liberal Arts and Sciences has selected 11 recipients for the 2014 Distinguished Alumni, Faculty and Staff Awards, which celebrate and recognize the accomplishments of outstanding individuals in each category.

These awards were established as an annual event after the college's 50th anniversary in 2009.

Dean Christopher McCord presented the 2014 awards Friday during a dinner program in Altgeld Hall.

Distinguished alumni recipients are John R. Butler (B.A. 1992, M.A. 1994), John P. Heybach (B.A. 1972, M.A. 1974, Ph.D. 1976), Congresswoman Robin L. Kelly (Ph.D. 2004), Joanna E. Lambert (B.S. 1989, M.A. 1993), and Glenn G. Sparks (M.A. 1976).

Distinguished faculty recipients are Professor Emeritus Donald Grubb, Professor Emeritus Anthony Scaperlanda, Distinguished Teaching Professor Emeritus Mary Suzanne Schriber, Distinguished Research and Teaching Professor Emeritus Fred Smith, and Distinguished Research Professor Emeritus Lucien Stryk.

Janice K. Vander Meer will receive the distinguished staff award.