Alumni Humanitarian Award

The Alumni Humanitarian Award, established in 2001, is bestowed upon alumni of the University of Illinois by the Alumni Association, on behalf of the University of Illinois. It is presented to those alumni who, through their outstanding involvement and dedication, have made a significant contribution of volunteer leadership or service which has improved or enriched the lives of others and the welfare of humanity, and whose accomplishments reflect admirably on or bring honor to their Alma Mater.

2011 Recipient

Ann Cody is honored for her international leadership as an advocate for people with disabilities, women’s rights and equal opportunities in sport. In her current role as director of public policy and global outreach for BlazeSports America, Cody is responsible for developing national and international partnerships and shaping the organization’s advocacy efforts in Washington, D.C. A three-time Paralympian and world-record holder, she has served as policy adviser to numerous sport organizations, including the U.S. Olympic and the International Paralympic committees. Her achievements include establishing international policies on gender equity, reinstating funding for recreation programs benefiting individuals with disabilities, creating the Women in Paralympic Sport Network and organizing leadership summits that enable more women and girls with disabilities to participate in sporting events worldwide. A recipient of the College of Applied Health Sciences Distinguished Alumni Award, Cody earned a bachelor of fine arts degree in painting in 1986 from the College of Fine and Applied Arts and a master’s degree in leisure studies in 1992 from the College of AHS.