Lou Liay Spirit Award (Est. 1997)

Bestowed upon alumni by the University of Illinois Alumni Association on behalf of the University of Illinois. 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.

• 

  Louis Margaglione, ’92 FAA

  Louis Margaglione, ’92 FAA, along with a small group of like-minded alumni, founded the Illini Guardians in 2021, with a mission to foster powerful and positive relationships between Illinois student athletes and the business community by harnessing the possibilities created by name, image and likeness (NIL) legislation. In its first year, the Illini Guardians entered into NIL contracts with more than 170 athletes across every university varsity program, and in 2022, the group funded 100 student athletes to take a day off from social media in support of mental health awareness. The Illini Guardians were the first such organization to provide NIL funds in return for service in the community and the first to find ways for international students to participate in NIL opportunities.

  In his own professional journey, Margaglione previously spent 23 years in commercial banking with Bank of America and BMO Harris and is currently the director and development chair of the U.S. Treasury Historical Association in Washington, D.C. He also owns Bookster Tweed, a bespoke tailoring company in England, and is a returning alumni fellow at the Cline Center for Advanced Social Research. In addition, Margaglione is the director and chair of the Campaign for Alexander Hamilton’s Treasury, involved in the stewardship and preservation of the nation’s U.S. Treasury building at 1500 Pennsylvania Avenue, including its decorative arts collection and historic furnishings. He also is the former president of the Lyric Opera of Chicago’s Guild Board of Directors.

  An alumnus proud to “bleed orange and blue,” Margaglione has provided extensive service to his Alma Mater, chairing the Chicago Illini of the Year Award for more than a decade, as well as chairing the Urbana Campus Alumni Advisory board. He currently serves on the University of Illinois System Advocacy Committee. Previously, he has served on the Division of Intercollegiate Athletics Advisory board, and spent six years on the University of Illinois Alumni Association Board of Directors from 2010 to 2016, serving on its Operations, Audit, History and Traditions, and Nominating Committees.

• 2020s
• 2010s
• 2000s
• 1990s