Press contact: Kyla Kruse

SPRINGFIELD — Eleanor Stuckey, Lincoln Land Community College student from Springfield, and Dean Butzow, LLCC professor of geography from Chatham, were honored at the Illinois Geographical Society’s annual awards banquet held in Vincennes, Ind. on April 25.

Stuckey received the Charles Womack Award, which was established to honor the memory and spirit of Charles “Chuck” Womack, geography professor at Lakeland Community College. The award is given to one student who has excelled in both academics and extracurricular activities in the geography program at their community college.

Stuckey is a student worker in LLCC Student Services and secretary of the LLCC Environmental Club. In May 2025, she will graduate with an associate in arts and departmental honors in geography. Stuckey plans to continue her education this fall at Southern Illinois University in Carbondale to earn a bachelor’s degree in geography.

Butzow was honored with the 2025 Distinguished Geographer Award by the Illinois Geographical Society (IGS). The award recognizes individuals who have made significant contributions to advancing geography in Illinois through teaching, research and community involvement.