To learn more about the I FUND or to donate today, visit IAMTHEIFUND.com.
Harry and Gladys Frost have been dear friends to Illinois Athletics and loyal I FUND members for many years. They have impacted countless lives of young Fighting Illini student-athletes through their generosity and support. A 1960 graduate of Eastern Illinois, Harry recently retired from his position as Corporate Director of Corn Quality-Technology Research for Cargill Corporation. Harry knows the meaning of loyalty. He worked for the same company for 55 years, and in doing so, made a huge impact on his field of work - so much that Cargill named a lab in his honor where he conducted his research. Outside of work, Harry and Gladys have been very active in the Paris, Ill., community. For 26 years, Harry served as the president of the local youth baseball league and he was also a founding member of the Edgar County Housing Authority.
What made you become a Fighting Illini fan?
Our son was selected to the Marching Illini Band in 1984 and we have followed Illini sports since. He was also in the basketball pep band.
How long have you had season tickets for Illinois football/basketball?
Initially as band parents, we were provided with two tickets to football games for four years, 1984-87. We actually began acquiring season tickets for football and basketball about 1988.
What is your favorite memory of Fighting Illini Athletics?
Favorite memory was watching our son mature with his experience in the Marching Illini. From a fan's perspective, the victory against Arizona during our run to the Final Four was the most exciting. The game was at the Rosemont Arena, in the Chicago area.
In your opinion, what is the best part of a home Fighting Illini football game on a fall Saturday?
Several things - we regularly attend the I-Hotel Stadium pre-game activity and enjoy talking to Illini fans and friends, the electricity of the game itself, and the Marching Illini.
Do you have a favorite piece of Fighting Illini memorabilia?
The items we received in each of our five years as members of the Loyalty Circle. This includes a ring and necklace, and we display the Loyalty Circle blanket with our names monogramed.
