Benjamin Quirke named 2026 Robert M. Harrison Leadership Award recipient
The College of Agricultural, Consumer and Environmental Sciences (ACES) at the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign has named Benjamin Quirke the recipient of the 2026 Robert M. Harrison Leadership Award for demonstrating strong leadership and engagement through his involvement in student organizations and professional experiences within the college.
A junior in the Department of Agricultural and Consumer Economics, Quirke currently serves as secretary for the National Agri-Marketing Association (NAMA) and recruiting and membership chair for Commodity Trading Associates (CTA). In these roles, Quirke supports student development by helping connect peers with opportunities in the agricultural and business industries.
“Benjamin embodies the kind of student leadership we strive to cultivate in ACES,” said Anna Ball, associate dean for academic programs. “Through his involvement, he is not only building his own path, but also creating opportunities for those around him. That ripple effect is what makes leaders like Benjamin so impactful within our college and beyond.”
In addition to his campus involvement, Quirke works as a business office intern at the Integrated Bioprocessing Research Laboratory, where he contributes to the business operations and communication efforts across multiple pilot specialist teams.
Quirke’s academic and professional interests center on commodity trading and improving the efficiency and sustainability of different food systems. Following graduation, he plans to pursue a career in the consumer-packaged goods industry.
“I am incredibly grateful to receive the Harrison Award,” Quirke said. “It is an honor to be recognized by the College of ACES. This award encourages me to keep pursuing work that strengthens agricultural supply chains and the systems that feed people.”
The Robert M. Harrison Leadership Award recognizes students in ACES who demonstrate outstanding leadership, academic achievement, and commitment to the college and their communities.