During Homecoming Week, the Illinois Alumni Association will recognize alumni with the 2019 alumni awards at a private gala.
Honorary Alumnus
Stanley O. Ikenberry, president emeritus, will be named an Honorary Alumnus for his leadership and service to the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign. He will also be the Homecoming Parade Grand Marshal. Ikenberry, the 14th president, was both the youngest president and the longest serving in the history of the university.
Read more about the accomplishments of Ikenberry in the Homecoming news release.
Alumni Achievement Award Winners
Dale Kempf, Ph.D. alumnus of the College of Liberal Arts & Sciences, and Laura Niklason, alumna from the College of Liberal Arts & Sciences, will both be presented with the Alumni Achievement Award.
One of the highest honors bestowed upon alumni by the Illinois Alumni Association, the award is presented to alumni who have attained outstanding success and national or international distinction in their chosen profession or life’s work, and whose accomplishments reflect admirably on or bring honor to their Alma Mater.
Read more about the accomplishments of Kempf and Niklason on the Illinois Alumni Association website.
Distinguished Service Award
Theodore Brown, professor emeritus of chemistry, will be awarded the Distinguished Service Award. The award is presented to individuals or couples whose consistent, exceptional and meritorious service to the university has made a significant impact on the institution’s overall welfare and the advancement of its mission.
Read more about the accomplishments of Brown on the Illinois Alumni Association website.
Lou Liay Spirit Award
Al Davis, board member of the College of Education Alumni Association, will be awarded the Lou Liay Spirit Award. The award is presented to those who have consistently demonstrated extraordinary spirit and pride in support of the university, the Alumni Association and related organizations, exemplifying a positive image of their Alma Mater while inspiring loyalty and pride in their fellow alumni. The award is named after Lou Liay, EDM ’62, executive director of the UI Alumni Association from 1983-1998.
Read more about the accomplishments of Davis on the Illinois Alumni Association website.
Illini Comeback Award
Doris Derby, master’s and Ph.D. alumna of the College of Liberal Arts & Sciences, and Leslie Geissler Munger, alumna of the College of Agricultural, Consumer and Environmental Sciences, will be awarded the Illini Comeback Award. Every year, the Illinois Alumni Association invites a group of prominent and accomplished alumni back to campus to participate in various activities during Homecoming Week, with a focus on providing opportunities for honorees to interact with current students, sharing information about their professional experiences and the value of their Illinois education.
Read more about the accomplishments of Derby and Munger on the Illinois Alumni Association website.