EIU Media Relations

Ten to be Honored with EIU Alumni Awards During Homecoming

Recipients of the Eastern Illinois University Alumni Association’s 2008 alumni awards will be honored in conjunction with Homecoming activities.

“We are honored to be able to recognize such an extraordinary group of alumni for their accomplishments and the varied ways in which they have represented their alma mater,” said Steve Rich, executive director of the Alumni Association. “Their successes reflect well on Eastern Illinois University and motivate current and future students to follow their own dreams.”

Distinguished Alumni Awards will go to Roger Claar '67, '68; Kenneth Damann Jr. '66; Daryll Fletcher '75, '76; Ted Gregory '81; Barbara (Shelton) Hundley '65, '69; and Robert C. Manion '66.

The Outstanding Young Alumnus Award will go to Anthony Pleasant '06; the Louis V. Hencken Alumni Service Award, to Jim Erdmann '59, '61; and Distinguished Educator Awards, to John Marsaglia '76 and Dorothy Bennett '74, '80.

Details on this year’s award winners can be found on the Alumni Association Web site.

Established in 1973, the Distinguished Alumni Award is the most prestigious award bestowed by the Alumni Association. It is presented to individuals who have distinguished themselves in either academic or literary fields, business, public service and/or service to the university, and who, through their accomplishments and service, have brought prestige to their alma mater. Past recipients have included an Illinois governor, Oscar-nominated actors, an NFL head coach, a nuclear physicist, CEOs, educators at all levels and many others.

Award recipients will be honored at a dinner, set to begin with a 6 p.m. social on Saturday, Oct. 18, in the Grand Ballroom, MLK Jr. Union.  Dinner will follow at 7.  Anyone wishing to attend should phone 217-581-3619 or 800-ALUM-EIU by Wednesday, Oct. 15.  Tickets are $25 per person.