The Division of Student Affairs was saddened by the loss of two influential leaders over the past two years—former Vice President and Dean of Student Affairs Dr. Neal R. Gamsky and former Vice President for Student Affairs Steve Adams.
“Losing two of the most incredible Student Affairs leaders that Illinois State has ever known has been extremely difficult. But we remain grateful for their lasting impact on our institution, the Division of Student Affairs, our staff, and our students,” Vice President for Student Affairs Levester “LJ” Johnson said.
Gamsky came to Illinois State University in 1970 as an associate professor of psychology with a mandate to develop a counseling center and served as the first director of the Illinois State University Counseling Center from 1970–1974. Under his leadership, the center was one of the largest, most comprehensive counseling centers in the country and became a national model for the quality of its staff, programs, and research. In 1974, he was appointed as dean of students and vice president of Student Affairs, a position he held until his retirement in 1991.
Gamsky was instrumental in the development of a master’s level program in college student personnel administration in the Department of Educational Administration and Foundations. To continue his legacy with the program, he established the Dr. Neal R. Gamsky Endowed Assistantship. Recipients hold the honor and distinction of being named a Gamsky Fellow.
To encourage professional staff to make significant personal contributions to students, Gamsky also established an endowment to grant an award to a staff member in the Division of Student Affairs. Those honored make outstanding contributions to the quality of life for students, and promote excellence in individual effort and concern for the quality of the campus environment through service and support. The Neal R. Gamsky Quality of Student Life Award is the most prestigious and highest honor bestowed upon a staff member in the Division of Student Affairs.
Gamsky passed away on July 31, 2021. Through his many contributions and the foundation he formed in Student Affairs, Illinois State University will continue to be impacted by his life and work.
Dr. Neal R. Gamsky 
Steve Adams
Adams, a recipient of the Neal R. Gamsky Quality of Student Life Award, spent his entire 35-year career in higher education at Illinois State. He served in major administrative positions in Academic Affairs for nearly three decades, including as assistant vice president for Enrollment Management and Academic Services and director of Admissions, as well as interim positions as director of Financial Aid and director of Enrollment Management. Adams was named vice president for Student Affairs in 2006. Some notable accomplishments during his tenure included the completion of the Student Fitness Center, renovation of residence halls and dining centers, and the implementation of an emergency texting system.
Adams was perhaps best known for his long and storied career as the “Voice of the Redbirds” for men’s basketball and football—a career that began in 1976. He continued into the 2019-2020 men’s basketball season following a brief pause in 2013.
Like Gamsky, Adams desired to leave a legacy at Illinois State following his retirement in 2011. After many discussions, he and his wife, Sandi, established the Steve and Sandi Adams Legacy Hall of Fame in 2014 to honor their many years of combined service and commitment to the University. It recognizes their lifelong dedication to the role holistic education plays in the life of students, as well as their steadfast loyalty to Illinois State University. Steve and Sandi enjoyed welcoming a new class of inductees to the hall of fame at a ceremony each year, during which Adams provided a heartfelt welcome that referenced his and Sandi’s commitment to students and the Division of Student Affairs.
Adams fought pancreatic cancer for more than three years before his passing on May 8, 2020. He will be remembered as an impactful leader, trusted mentor, caring friend, and exceptional Redbird.
Both Adams and Gamsky were remembered at the respective award ceremonies named in their honor during the fall 2021 semester. Their legacies live on through the students, staff, and alumni they continue to impact at Illinois State.
Recipients of the Neal R. Gamsky Quality of Student Life Award
2021-2022 – Bill Legett
2020-2021 – Dakesa Piña
2019-2020 – Pat O’Connell
2018-2019 – Sandy Colbs
2017-2018 – Barb Dallinger
2016-2017 – Pamela Cooper
2015-2016 – Dianne Feasley
2014-2015 – Danielle Miller-Schuster
2013-2014 – Donald Reed
2012-2013 – Jason Vasquez
2011-2012 – Brent Paterson
2010-2011 – Steve Adams
2009-2010 – Stacey Mwilambwe
2008-2009 – Susan Dudolski
2007-2008 – Arlene Hosea
2006–2007 – Allyson Hawkins
2005–2006 – Jill Benson
2004–2005 – Rick Lewis
2003–2004 – Michael Speros
2002–2003 – Wayne Ericson
2001–2002 – Sharron Evans
2000–2001 – Bill Campbell
1999–2000 – Chika K. Nnamani
1998–1999 – Maureen Blair
1997–1998 – Kim Hays
1996–1997 – Doug Lamb
1995–1996 – Christ Schwelle
1994–1995 – Jane Reggio
1993–1994 – Mike Schermer
1992–1993 – Jude Boyer
Inductees of the Steve and Sandi Adams Legacy Hall of Fame
2021
Karyn Aguirre ’86
Eric Burwell ’90
Karin Burwell ’90, M.S. ’94
Linda Kingman ’81
2019
Stan Shingles ’82, M.S. ’88
Camille Taylor ’78, M.S. ’85
Diane Wolf ’89, ’92, M.S. ’94,
Ed.D. ’15
2018
Craig Gilmore ’73
Rachel Spangler ’05, M.S. ’07
Daniel Wagner ’89, M.S ’94
2017
Robinzina Bryant-Felton ’88,
M.S. ’90
Michael Donahue ’80
Adam Ghrist ’04
Twanna Hines ’98
Michael Schermer ’73, M.S. ’78
2016
James E. Ford ’03
Andrew Purnell ’57
Steve Smith ’93
Heidi Voorhees ’80
2015
Jim Bennett ’87
Tom Ponce ’09
Elgie Sims ’93
2014
Robert “Bob” Freitag ’84
Joanette McBounds ’08
Leroy “Lee” Noel ’56
Erik Tomlin ’02
