Join the I FUND
CHAMPAIGN, Ill. – University of Illinois men's basketball letterwinners have donated funds to create a scholarship named for legendary coach Lou Henson and his wife, Mary, which will provide former basketball players degree completion opportunities. The fund, spearheaded by Rod Cardinal, Steve Lanter and Larry Lubin, will be named the Lou and Mary Henson Men's Basketball Academic Assistance Fund.
"Last year, for the holidays, Mary sent a note to all of the basketball alumni wishing all of us well and updating us on Coach's health. At the end of the note Mary reminded us to be thankful for all our blessings and how our Illini Basketball family is a blessing to them," Lubin said. "But it also reminded us how fortunate we are to have Coach and Mary in our lives. They set the example for success in life through their love for each other, the importance of hard work every day, toughness to get through adversity and selflessness for our team, our University, community and families.
"They've provided guidance to our basketball family and Illini Family for over 40 years now, which inspired us to create the Lou and Mary Henson Academic Assistance Fund to honor their legacy for generations to come," Lubin added.
The fund will be used for Illini men's basketball student-athletes who wish to return to the University of Illinois to complete their undergraduate degrees. The first scholarship will be awarded beginning Fall of 2019.
"It will be 40 years next month to mark the anniversary of Eddie hitting the game winner to knock off Magic (Johnson) and Michigan State, and as this milestone approaches, it hit me how my life was forever changed by playing for Coach (Henson) at my state university," Lanter said. "I'm grateful for the opportunity Coach gave me to run point on that fabulous team. He taught me the value of servant leadership and putting teammates first. I can't thank him enough."
In his 21 seasons leading the Illinois Men's Basketball program, Head Coach Lou Henson finished his career as the all-time winningest coach in Illini history. He amassed 423 victories, winning 65 percent of his games, ranking fifth in the Big Ten Conference in overall wins. He led Illinois to 12 NCAA Tournament appearances, including the 1989 Final Four. The Illini were the 1984 Big Ten Champions under his direction.
Off the court, Lou and Mary Henson were strong advocates for the educational success of their players, and this fund was what the couple wanted to carry on their legacy at the University of Illinois.
"Lou and Mary Henson are part of the very fabric of Illinois Athletics. Even all these years into retirement, they continue to represent the Illinois commitment to developing the complete student-athlete," Director of Athletics Josh Whitman said. "It is an incredible tribute that Coach's former players are honoring Lou and Mary in such a meaningful way, by creating future opportunities for Illini basketball players to fulfil their dream of an Illinois degree. Many thanks to Steve Lanter, Larry Lubin, and the others who have worked so hard and given so generously to make this wonderful honor a reality."
"We are very excited to continue to honor Lou and Mary Henson's vast legacy at the University of Illinois," Varsity I Director Lee Zerrusen said. "The Hensons emphasized the power of a University of Illinois degree and were strong advocates for the educational success of Illini Men's Basketball players. This fund will ensure that all Illini Men's Basketball players will have the resources necessary to graduate from the best university in the world. Having former players step up to not only honor their coach, but to help their fellow Illini is a truly special, generous act."
Former Illini men's basketball players wanting more information about donating to the fund or being one of its recipients, should contact Lee Zerrusen the I FUND at ifund@illinois.edu.
