Illini Engager
“One of the things that the U. of I. does well is to make people fierce,” says Cedric Thurman, the new UIAA chair. “The U. of I. teaches you how to get it done.” (Image courtesy of Powell Creative Services)
The University of Illinois Alumni Association Board of Directors has named Cedric D. Thurman, ’87 BUS, as its new chair. A UIAA Board member since 2018, he succeeds Norma J. Lauder, ’71 BUS, who will serve as past chair.
Thurman views his new leadership position as an exciting opportunity to encourage U. of I. students to start thinking about their future as alumni from the moment they begin their studies. He also welcomes the chance to help his university—which he calls “a quiet, humble school producing great graduates”—spread the word about the value of an Illinois education. “Now that we’re telling our story more, people are going to start connecting the dots,” he says.
For Thurman, connecting those dots took some time and thought. While attending high school at Quigley Preparatory Seminary South in Chicago, he decided he wanted to go to Niles College Seminary and become a Catholic priest.
His father, however, advised him to think more broadly about his education and vocation. “Dad said, ‘If you stay in the [Catholic] system and your calling is not the priesthood, how will you ever know?’” Thurman recalls.
His brother Lorenzo gave him that broader perspective by example. Lorenzo had already started at the U. of I. and loved it, so Cedric followed suit, and the brothers became roommates. The University of Illinois is also the reason Thurman met his future wife, Michelle Speller-Thurman,’92 BUS.
Thurman found his niche in finance and commerce and immersed himself in related campus organizations, including the Minority Commerce Association. He also frequently visited the African American Cultural Center, today named after one of its former directors, Bruce D. Nesbitt.
“Bruce was there when I was there,” Thurman says. “If you were having a tough day, you could go in and say ‘Bruce, give me some words of wisdom.’ Bruce was always direct. He’d tell you to stick it out.”
It wasn’t always easy. As a Black man on campus in the mid-1980s, Thurman encountered racial bias and microaggressions from some students and even professors. But he also believes the university gave him the skills he needed to push through.
“One of the things that the U. of I. does well is to make people fierce,” Thurman says. “You learn how to solve problems—not always in obvious ways—so that you know how to think.” He further observes that Illini excel at finding solutions. “The U. of I. teaches you how to get it done,” he says.
After graduation, Thurman began a career in banking with Chicago’s Harris Bank (now BMO), where he coincidentally has had an account since childhood. “When tellers look at my account number, they ask, incredulously, ‘How long have you had this?’ ” he says.
Thurman currently serves as executive vice president and group head of community investment at the Federal Home Loan Bank of Chicago. He oversees the products, programs and awards that support the bank’s member institutions’ affordable housing and community lending initiatives. He also bears responsibility for shaping the bank’s Corporate Citizenship program, as well as its Corporate Social Responsibility reporting.
Thurman also remains committed to supporting his Alma Mater through membership in the Black Alumni Network, the Gies Business Alumni Association and the Gies Dean’s Business Council. He was a guest lecturer in an honors business course, and he was the Winter 2024 Commencement speaker for the college. When late UIAA President Jennifer Dillavou, ’82 ED, asked her colleagues to suggest alumni to serve on the Board of Directors, Gies Dean Jeffrey Brown enthusiastically recommended Thurman.
The Board didn’t have to wait long for an answer. Thurman welcomed the opportunity to bring his “quiet, humble school” further into the spotlight. “I have found that when the U. of I. calls,” he says, “you rarely hear no.”
The Thurman File
Favorite Campus Place:
The Bruce D. Nesbitt African American Cultural Center. “That was the place you went all the time, every day, between classes or breaks to meet other friends, study or relax.”
Bruce D. Nesbitt African American Cultural Center. (Image courtesy of U of I STRATCOM)
David Ikenberry (Image courtesy of U of I STRATCOM)
Favorite Professor:
David Ikenberry, PHD ’90, son of former U . of I. System President Stan Ikenberry, who then served as a graduate assistant in the business school. “I would go to talk to him about finance, and then we’d just sit there and talk about everything. You’d realize this is a prof who wants to talk about life. I enjoyed spending time with him.”
Favorite Campus Eating Spot:
Eddie’s. “They made these ice cream drinks. You thought having one, you’d be fine. Have two? Fine. After three, you’d stand up and say, ‘Oh. I never should have had the second, forget the third!’”
Bruce Douglas (Image courtesy of UI Archives)
Favorite Collegiate Sport:
Basketball. “Bruce Douglas, [’01 LAS], came in as a freshman with me. I played against him in high school. I knew a lot of basketball players and would play with them at IMPE.”
