Honorary Alumni Award (Est. 2019)

The highest honor bestowed upon individuals who are not graduates of University of Illinois by the University of Illinois Alumni Association on behalf of the University of Illinois. The award is presented to an individual or individuals who have shown exemplary dedication and commitment to the mission of the University and the University of Illinois Alumni Association. Recipients adhere to standards of moral and ethical conduct that would cause the University to be honored to present the recipients as role models for students and alumni.

Dan and Gina Hartleb
Dan and Gina Hartleb have dedicated their lives to serving the University of Illinois and the Champaign-Urbana community. Dan is head coach of the Fighting Illini baseball team, and Gina is a former teacher and a current volunteer at the Don Moyer Boys and Girls Club, offering philanthropic support to help with development and opportunities for area youth.

The Hartlebs have been the heartbeat of the Illinois baseball program for nearly four decades. Dan came to Illinois as an assistant coach in 1990 before taking over as head coach in 2006. The 2015 and 2024 Big Ten Coach of the Year and the 2010s Big Ten Coach of the Decade, he is the winningest coach in school history, leading the Illini to five NCAA tournament appearances, three Big Ten regular season titles, and one Big Ten Tournament title. He has also mentored hundreds of student athletes, many of whom have gone on to play professionally.

Gina joins Dan to form what many call a coaching family. They have been the architects of a culture rooted in leadership, integrity, and lifelong mentorship.

As volunteers, the couple has been active with the American Cancer Society, Special Olympics, United Way, NAMI, CASA, Crisis Nursery, Courage Connection, Habitat to Humanity, iRead • iCount, Cunningham Children’s Home, Women in Transition, and Roundhouse Foundation. The Hartlebs’ generosity also extends to the university. Along with their work with the baseball program, they host alumni gatherings, speak at U. of I. functions, and devote their time to support the university’s mission.