June 20, 2008

PHOTO GALLERY

On June 18, Illini junior quarterback Isiah "Juice" Williams spoke at the Kickoff Celebration in Chicago to promote the upcoming Black Alumni Reunion on Nov. 2-9 on the Urbana-Champaign campus. The keynote speaker of the night was Illini All-American and basektball great Mannie Jackson. The reception drew over 300 Black alumni from the Chicago area to the Mid-American Club in downtown Chicago.

Jackson spoke of the tenuous times during his tenure at Illinois, but also of the opportunities he has afforded with the help of his determination and Illinois degree. He talked about his life's high points, which include things like walking the Great Wall of China, hosting a anniversary event for Nelson Mandela in South Africa, playing for and owning the Harlem Globetrotters. He attributed his success to his education and called for all present to appreciate their accomplishments. After his speech, Board of Trustees Chairman Larry Eppley presented Jackson with the Distinguished Alumni Medallion.

Williams followed Jackson with the night's closing comments. Read an excerpt of Williams' speech to the crowd.

"I was born and raised right here in the Southside of Chicago. There were many times in life, I didn't believe there was a chance for me to go to college. And thanks to Ron Zook and the football program, I am living a dream come true. Not only to be attending college, but to do it at my state University.

"The bible says, in Luke 12:48 "For of those to whom much is given, much is required." That is what it means to go to the University of Illinois. Not only is it our responsibility to represent ourselves while on campus, but to strive to the highest of standards after our graduation."

In attendance at the event were President Joe White and his wife, Mary, Chancellor Richard Herman and his wife, Susan, former basketball letterwinners Jerry Hester, Perry Range and Dave Downey, former Illini wide receiver Ade Adeyemo, and Trustees Eppley and Frances Carroll.

To learn more about the Illinois Black Alumni Reunion, log on to www.conferences.uiuc.edu/blackalumnireunion