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.
Bob Lumsden, ’53 BUS
As a Champaign native and U of I alumnus, Bob Lumsden, ’53 BUS, used his knowledge of campus to benefit students and alumni throughout a long career at the University. Prior to his return to his Alma Mater, Lumsden spent two years as a lieutenant in the U.S. Army, stationed in Mainz, Germany. He then worked as a salesman for the Armstrong Cork company in Lancaster, Pa., and Colgate Palmolive in Chicago. In 1963, Lumsden began working at the U of I’S Campus Tours Office, which later merged with the Campus Information Center.
In 1975, he accepted an office management position with the UIAA. Among other responsibilities, Lumsden worked with a core group of students to form Student Alumni Association (SAA). A second organization, Student Ambassadors, spun off of SAA in 1983, and Lumsden advised these two groups until his retirement in 1993. SAA continues to be a valuable organization, fostering many campus traditions and celebrations. Likewise, Lumsden has sustained relationships with countless SAA alumni, helping to bring the group together for a 40th anniversary celebration in 2016.
Lumsden is a life member of the Alumni Association and was a charter donor to the Alice Campbell Alumni Center. He remains in Champaign with his wife, Sharon Lappin Lumsden, ’53 FAA, MFA ’64. The couple’s son, Paul, ’87 ACES, is a pilot for United Airlines.
2019
Al Davis, ’60 ED, MS ’62 ED, ’64 ED
2018
Bob Giles, ’66 ENG, MBA ’68, and Pat Meyers Giles, ’69 ED
2017
JOHN VOLK, '67 ACES
2016
Dr. Kenneth Schmidt, ’65 LAS, MD ’67 UIC
2015
Gayl Pyatt, ’64 LAS
2014
Michael L. VanBlaricum, ’72 ENG, MS ’74 ENG, PHD ’76 ENG
2013
Edwin C. Lennox III, ’90 ENG, MS ’92 ENG, MS ’97 ENG
2012
Frederic G. Nearing, ’48 ENG
2011
Alan L. Puzey, ’74 ACES
2010
Samuel N. Darby, ’62 FAA
2009
John Menees, ’52 ENG
2008
Denis Lougeay, '66 ENG, MBA '68
Denruth Barre Lougeay, '65 ED, EDM '68
2007
Norman Beasley, ’58 DSSWV
Mary Jane Beasley
2006
John S. Ellison, ’64 ACES
2005
Carol Keiser Long, '68 ACES
2004
David G. Powless, '75 BUS
2003
Marie L. Johnson, '54 LAS, MS '58 ED
2002
Dan Perrino, '48 FAA, MS '49 FAA
2001
Larry L. Fischer, '74 ACES
1998
William Branom, '54 MEDIA
Henrietta Branom Knecht, '27 LAS