EIU Media Relations

Nine to be Honored with EIU Alumni Awards During Homecoming

CHARLESTON -- Recipients of the Eastern Illinois University Alumni Association’s 2009 alumni awards will be honored Saturday, Oct. 17, in conjunction with Homecoming activities.

“We are honored to recognize such an extraordinary group of alumni,” said Steve Rich, executive director of the Alumni Association. “Their accomplishments reflect well on Eastern Illinois University and serve as an inspiration for current and future Eastern students.”

Distinguished Alumni Awards will go to James Allen ’79; Robert Corn-Revere ’77; Ed Escalante ’74; Lou Hencken ’66, ’67; and Tim Manning ’93.

Outstanding Young Alumnus Awards will go to Ryan Bailey ’99 and Ellen Eardley ’99. In addition, Tom McDaniel ’69 will receive the Louis V. Hencken Alumni Service Award, and Cheryl Crates ’70 will receive the Distinguished Educator Award.

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. cocktail reception on Saturday, Oct. 17, in the Grand Ballroom, MLK Jr. Union. Dinner will follow at 7 p.m. Anyone wishing to attend should call 217-581-3619 or 800-ALUM-EIU by Wednesday, Oct. 14. Tickets are $25 per person.

For a photo and biography of each recipient, please see http://www.eiu.edu/alumni/awards2009.php.