Distinguished Service Award

The Distinguished Service Award was established in 1972 to recognize alumni, faculty, staff and friends of the University of Illinois who have consistently demonstrated extraordinary commitment, dedication and service for the advancement of the institution.

2011 Recipient

Lester McKeever is honored for his exemplary service as a leadership volunteer at the highest levels of the University of Illinois. Currently managing principal of Washington, Pittman & McKeever LLC, he is a former chairman of the Federal Reserve Bank of Chicago and a distinguished civic leader who has generously shared his time and expertise with his Alma Mater. Elected treasurer of the UI Board of Trustees in 1994, McKeever has continued to serve in that role for almost two decades, assisting the University with key litigation, investment and borrowing decisions. He is also a former member of the UI Alumni Association Board of Directors and past president of the College of Business Alumni Association. He continues to serve the college as a longtime member and past president of the Dean’s Business Council, sits on the advisory board for the Center for Professional Responsibility in Business and Society and received the college’s Distinguished Alumnus Award. McKeever is a member of the UI Foundation and the Presidents Council Consular Circle, a former Illini Comeback Guest and Chicago Illini of the Year, and a member of the Illinois Connection advocacy network. He completed his bachelor’s degree in accountancy from the College of Business in 1955.

Previous Recipients