The Samuel Sublett Jr. Award
Samuel Sublett Jr.
The Samuel Sublett Jr. Award is presented each year to two Illinois Correctional Association members recognizing their commitment and professional contributions to their organization or to the profession.
Sam passed away on December 1, 2012, but he left behind a strong legacy of reform and mentoring in Illinois. He was born and educated in Chicago, and earned his graduate degrees at DePaul and Northern Illinois Universities. After over 40 years of service with the Illinois Department of Corrections, Juvenile division. He remained active both in the profession and the community after his retirement in 1993. He is a past president of the American Correctional Association from 1988 to 1990, and the recipient of too many awards to list here. His legacy extends beyond corrections, into all areas of criminal justice. According to the Daily Herald, he is credited with:
"literally writing the book on national standards for both adult and juvenile correctional institutions along the way. He was awarded the Walter Dunbar Accreditation Award, the highest bestowed by the Commission on Accreditation for Corrections, for his work in creating a 10-volume set of comprehensive corrections standards. The standards set the bar for corrections operations in adult and juvenile corrections, parole, probation and community-based jails."
Despite his many accomplishments, Sam was regarded as more than a corrections professional. His warmth, commitment to justice, and his willingness mentor others characterize the personal and professional standards he advocated.
The Sam Sublett award was created in 1993 to recognize the professional accomplishments or professionals working in the field of corrections and criminal justice. Each year, the award has traditionally gone to one line officer and one staff member or administrator employed in corrections or a related field.