The Division of Student Affairs is excited to recognize two outstanding young alumni as the recipients of the Redbird Proud Young Alumni Award.
The award recognizes young alumni who demonstrate great pride in Illinois State University as well as extend what they learned through their experience with Student Affairs to others. Recipients of this honor live the values of Student Affairs—integrity, compassion, creativity, diversity, and relationships. Both honorees were recognized at this year’s Alumni Day Luncheon on October 7 during Homecoming.
Adam Hucek ’12 found a passion for service through Alternative Breaks as an undergraduate student, volunteering on multiple trips, and eventually serving as student director of Alternative Breaks. Adam’s passion for services continues today through his support of the Alternative Breaks scholarship fund. Adam also encourages other alumni to do the same, ensuring every student has the opportunity to go on a trip.
Adam Hucek
Adam also gives back to Illinois State through his work as the director of aquatics and sports programs for the City of Bloomington by conducting mock interviews and providing feedback to students interested in park administration. The management skills he learned while working as a resident assistant have also been beneficial as he coordinates aquatics and sports programs for the city of Bloomington today.
Adam is also involved in the Bloomington-Normal community. For many years Adam has coached Illini Elite club volleyball and volunteers with the American Red Cross in McLean County, teaching classes in CPR, First Aid, and AED throughout the county.
Kevin M. Martin ‘09 uses the skills and lessons he learned as an undergraduate student through Student Government Association and UPB, specifically advocating for those who don’t have a seat at the table, to enhance and increase opportunities available to students as an assistant principal at Northwest Middle School.
Kevin Martin
After graduating from Illinois State, Kevin began his career in education through Teach for America, later earning both is master’s and Ed.D. Kevin continually works in his school to enhance opportunities for all students. Student success drives Kevin, which encouraged him to open a Saturday Academy for student who need extra time with teachers, tutoring, or a place to study.
Kevin has also been recognized in his field, having been selected for the 2014–2016 America Achieves’ Fellowship for Teachers and Principals, and was also recognized as part of the inaugural St. Louis Family Magazine Excellence in Education Awards.
Both Adam and Kevin are excellent examples of Redbirds living out the values of student affairs after graduation. To find out more about the Redbird Proud Young Alumni Award and how you can be involved as an alum with the Division of Student Affairs, visit our Alumni and Friends website.
