Selection criteria | Nomination form | Recipients

The Lou Liay Spirit Award for Extraordinary Alumni Service was established in 2001 to commemorate the selfless dedication and loyalty to the University expressed by alumni volunteers. The honor is named for distinguished University of Illinois graduate Louis Liay. Since graduating from the Urbana campus in 1962, Liay has given the Alumni Association more than 20 years of service, retiring in 1998 as president of the organization.

Peter Skosey, MUPP ’93, is one UIC alumnus whose actions on behalf of his alma mater speak louder than words. For example, his strong leadership efforts led to the formation of the College of Urban Planning and Policy’s Alumni Advisory Board in 1998. The Board helps alumni share their expertise with the College, and plans and hosts professional development programs (topics have included urban density, sprawl and affordable housing). Skosey also plays an active role in lives of prospective and current students – serving as a frequent guest lecturer, acting as an ambassador for the master’s in Urban Planning and Policy Program, and answering students’ questions about urban planning and related career opportunities. His work helping the College and UIC raise funding has been no less significant. He has written letters to alumni explaining the College’s fiscal challenges and encouraging them to help; made follow-up phone calls; and convinced many of them to provide a gift.

Previous Recipients

2006
Deb Venable ’93 AA, MBA ’97
College of Architecture and Art and College of Business Administration

2005
Dr. Howard N. Allen '58 COM, MD '60
College of Medicine

2004
Bill Merchantz, '79 CBA
College of Business Administration

2003
Dr. Irwin Robinson, DDS '45, '54 DENT
College of Dentistry

2002
Dr. Samuel S. Wexler '62 DENT, DDS '64
College of Dentistry

2001
Ken Valentino '93 CBA
College of Business Administration