Danica Scoma of Utica was awarded the 2026 Frederick W. Matthiessen Award during Illinois Valley Community College’s 60th annual commencement ceremony Saturday, May 16.

Graduating students are nominated for the award by faculty for academic scholarship, a record of civic achievement or community volunteer service, and service to the College community. Named for local industrialist and philanthropist F.W. Matthiessen, the honor was first conveyed 48 years ago.

"The Matthiessen Award is our most prestigious honor with an emphasis on both scholarship and commitment to service, both at IVCC and in the community,” said Dr. Tracy Morris, president of IVCC. “There are years that we do not have a recipient but this year, it was an easy choice. Danica has truly been one of our most involved students and has had a tremendous impact on the College through her leadership as one of the first peer mentors. Her impact will remain here and continue to grow even after she moves on to her next adventures.”

This was the latest recognition for Scoma, who had been named a 2026 Phi Theta Kappa New Century Transfer Pathway Scholar and recognized as one of the top 20 U.S. community college students on the prestigious PTK All-USA Academic Team. She also earned NJCAA Academic All-American recognition both years as a student athlete and she was selected as an IVCC Foundation 21st Century Scholar Excellence award winner.

Scoma’s activities on campus included becoming one of the College’s first peer mentors through the Transformative Growth counseling program, being elected to the Student Government Association, and serving the student body as Student Trustee on the College’s governing Board of Trustees.

She also held leadership roles in the Art Club, the IV Leader student newspaper, the International Club and Hispanic Leadership Team, groups that are active in communities as well as on campus. Through her involvement, she was instrumental in planning and carrying out numerous student activities.

Additionally, Scoma was a volunteer art teacher at a local grade school and studied in Spain as part of IVCC’s Study Abroad program.

She will attend Graceland University in Iowa this fall.