On Wednesday, January 16 at the Holiday Inn, the Illini Rebounders Club will host Mayor Don Gerard and a presentation for Keys to the City to four outstanding citizens serving within the Champaign community. Keys to the City are bestowed upon distinguished persons and honored guests of Champaign in recognition of their services to the community. Among those receiving the keys will be Lou Henson, Dave Downey, Jim Turpin, and Loren Tate.
“Coach” Lou Henson, a former Illini Basketball coach, led the University’s team to 423 victories, establishing the program onto a national level. Dave Downey, an inductee to the Illinois basketball hall of fame, has shown unprecedented levels of hard work throughout his life and has maintained the record for the University of Illinois’ basketball program for the most points scored in a single game. Jim Turpin has served the Champaign community as the “Voice of the Illini” for over 40 years and received the 2002 “Citizen of the Year” award. Loren Tate served as an Illini sports reporter for the News Gazette for decades, producing timeless articles for thousands to read.
These distinguished individuals have served our community over the years, contributing their skills and talents to those within our Champaign community. Most will agree with Mayor Don Gerard when he says, “As a life-long Illini fan, I am really excited to have the opportunity to honor and recognize these celebrated individuals.”