Lou Liay Spirit Award honoree, Illini Comeback Guest announced

The University of Illinois has named this year’s Lou Liay Spirit Award and Illini Comeback Guest.

Lou Liay Spirit Award honoree Dr. Kenneth Schmidt, ’65 LAS, MD ’67, has been an ardent supporter of the University of Illinois and its mission. Since 1995, he has been a member of the President’s Council and the University’s donor recognition program, as well as the University of Illinois Foundation, the University’s independent fundraising organization. In addition, Schmidt is a Golden Life Member of the University of Illinois Alumni Association. Read Full Bio

Illini Comeback Guest and Chicago-native Michael Strautmanis, ’91 MEDIA, JD ’94, is vice president of civic engagement for the Barack Obama Foundation, a nonprofit established to carry on President Obama’s unfinished project of renewal and global progress. Strautmanis—who previously served as vice president of corporate citizenship and strategic programs for The Walt Disney Co.—is tasked with developing and leading the execution of outreach efforts and civic engagement programs. Read Full Bio

Learn more about the University of Illinois Alumni Awards here