The American Meteorological Society at its Annual Conference in Seattle during January 24–27, 2011 awarded the distinction of Honorary Member to Stanley A. Changnon, a scientist at the Illinois State Water Survey (ISWS) at the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign.

Honorary Membership is awarded to American Meteorological Society members acknowledged for their preeminence in the atmospheric or related oceanic or hydrologic sciences, through their own contributions to the sciences, or through furtherance of the advancement of those sciences.

Changnon has served at the ISWS in various capacities since 1951, including what had been the highest position, Chief, from 1980 to 1985.  He has also held the position of Professor of Geography at the University of Illinois since 1974, and served as a Fellow of several scientific associations and academies in 1974, 1977, and 1993.

Changnon's research in atmospheric science led to significant contributions in how weather and climate impacts people and the economy, and how large cities affect clouds, rainfall, and storms.

In addition, Changnon was one of the recipients of the Nobel Peace Prize in 2007 for contributing to a report by the International Panel on Climate Change.  Changnon has authored hundreds of reports relating to weather, climate, and water resources, as well as journal articles and papers.

The Illinois State Water Survey at the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, a division of the Institute of Natural Resource Sustainability, is the primary agency in Illinois concerned with water and atmospheric resources.