For more than 15 years, Tom Lamonica enjoyed ushering Missouri Valley Conference Hall of Famers through their induction weekend. But through all those ceremonies, speeches, interviews, and autograph sessions, the current instructional assistant professor in Illinois State University’s School of Communication and former director of sports information for Redbird Athletics never imagined he would be an inductee.
“People who know me well know that I am never at a loss for words,” said Lamonica. “But the call from Valley Commissioner Jeff Jackson had me stunned. I never expected something like this to happen.”
Lamonica was inducted March 8 as the winner of the Paul Morrison Award. The six 2024 Valley Hall of Fame inductees included another Redbird—legendary football linebacker Boomer Grigsby (2001-04). The induction ceremony is part of Arch Madness, the Valley’s men’s basketball tournament in St. Louis.
“It goes without saying that everyone involved with Illinois State Athletics is incredibly proud of Tom and his recognition as a member of the 2024 Missouri Valley Conference Hall of Fame class,” said Mike Williams ’04, M.S. ‘07, associate athletics director at Illinois State University. “I personally cannot think of a better recipient for the Paul Morrison Award, which recognizes an individual who has made significant contributions to their institution, the Valley or to athletics in general.”
A Redbird legacy
Lamonica came to Illinois State University from the University of Evansville in early 1980, but his work with the Missouri Valley Conference began long before that.
“When I first got to Illinois State, someone dumped a stack of documents on my desk that was about eight inches thick,” said Lamonica. “And those documents helped me learn about ISU. It all needed to be edited and proofread, but that document was our ticket into the Valley. I knew we needed to get into a conference, and I thought the MVC was the right one for us.”
He was not wrong.
In 1980, Illinois State entered the Missouri Valley Conference, the fourth-oldest collegiate athletic conference in the Untied States. Established in 1907, the conference’s members are primarily located in the Midwest.
“There are so many things that have happened with Redbird Athletics that wouldn’t have happened if we hadn’t joined the Missouri Valley Conference,” said Lamonica.
Lamonica also had a hand in one of the University’s most iconic marketing decisions, naming Illinois State’s beloved mascot. In 1981, he served on a team of judges who were responsible for penciling in “Reggie” on the mascot’s metaphorical birth certificate.
“There were two names in the lead for consideration,” said Lamonica. “One was Robert, and the other was Reggie, after Reggie Jackson, baseball hall of famer and superstar of his age. Reggie Jackson had a huge personality and a great ability to perform under pressure.”
Reggie Redbird stuck.
“Getting ISU into the MVC and helping to select Reggie’s name were probably two of the most significant moments in my career,” he said.
In 2006, Lamonica retired from his longstanding role in athletics and accepted a full-time faculty position in the School of Communication teaching public relations. Lamonica never lost his enthusiasm for supporting students; he’s now teaching COM 259: Strategic Communication in Sports and has served as the school’s director of internships since 2008.
More than a mentor
Beyond Lamonica’s contribution to Redbird Athletics and the Missouri Valley Conference, his innate ability to make easy connections defines his personality. Well known for his congenial style of leadership and mentorship, Lamonica is a valued friend to all.
“Tom Lamonica’s passion for Illinois State and ISU Athletics is only rivaled by his commitment to help students pursue their dreams,” said Matt Tumbleson ‘04, vice president of basketball communications and engagement with the NBA’s Oklahoma City Thunder. “To use a sports analogy, he’s decades into his career and still throwing heat! I’ve known Tom my entire adult life since I worked for him as an intern in the early 2000s and he still brings the same energy and leadership that helped shape Illinois State into what it is today.”
Tumbleson is just one of many former students who have depended upon Lamonica to advise and encourage him as an aspiring and seasoned professional in the sports communication world.
“I am thrilled and excited for Tom to enter the Missouri Valley Conference Hall of Fame,” said Todd Kober ’97, M.S. ‘99, former assistant athletics director of communication for Illinois State University Athletics and current senior manager for brand partnerships at Children’s Mercy Hospital in Kansas City. “In addition to being one of my most supportive mentors, Tom is a pillar for ISU Athletics. His loyalty to the Valley and the University are unmatched by his steadfast leadership. His induction into the MVC Hall of Fame should be celebrated at the highest level.”
And the long list of those who appreciate Lamonica’s mentorship continues.
“I personally cannot thank Tom enough for his friendship and guidance over the years,” added Williams. “From the day I stepped into the athletics communication office as an intern in 2004, he has been a mentor and someone I could always lean on for advice or just a pep talk. He continues to be a tireless advocate for what I do in my role and has helped connect me with countless other alumni that I now call friends and colleagues.”
Lamonica is now in his 45th year at Illinois State University. Thousands of students have benefited from his leadership, coaching, and mentorship—with many more still to come.
“I find joy in seeing young people succeed,” said Lamonica. “That’s what gets me excited. I have no plans to leave ISU anytime soon. I hope I can continue to contribute to the School of Communication and the University.”
A Redbird never flies solo
It’s undeniable that Lamonica has left a legacy in his wake at Illinois State University—and will continue to do so. One thing is certain though. He couldn’t have done it on his own.
“My family has always supported what I do,” he said. “My wife, Claire, is the most important part of that. She not only raised our children and took care of me, but also had a brilliant career as an educator and leader serving students and colleagues.”
Claire Lamonica, Ph.D. ’96, left a Redbird legacy of her own when she retired from the University in 2020 after serving for 15 years in the Center for Teaching, Learning, and Technology. She also spent time in the English Department and lab schools.
“Our whole family is tremendously excited to see Tom recognized for his work with the conference,” she said. “We know better than anyone that he doesn’t do anything for the purpose of being recognized. But we also know the extra effort it’s taken for him to do that work in addition to all the other things he does, including being a hall of fame husband, father, and grandfather.”
Lamonica has had the support of his family and friends throughout his longstanding career—and can recall the days when his son, Peter Lamonica ‘07, would help run paper stats to the announcers during basketball games.
“Once in a while, Peter would take a trip with me and travel on the bus with the team,” said Lamonica. “He was always interested in what I was doing.”
And he still is.
The hall of fame
Among many family members and friends, Pete Lamonica traveled to St. Louis for the MVC Hall of Fame induction ceremony and watched his father accept the Paul Morrison Award.
“I couldn’t believe how many people came out to support me,” said Tom Lamonica. “I had family, friends, alumni, and a whole bunch of folks from the ISU Athletics Department come. I was very touched by it all.”
Williams was among those who attended the ceremony.
“I was honored to be there at the Hall of Fame induction ceremony and congratulate Tom and his family in person and watch him give his speech alongside the impressive class of 2024 inductees,” said Williams. “He certainly belongs in their category, and we are proud to add his plaque to our wall in CEFCU Arena to commemorate this amazing achievement.”
Lamonica delivered his acceptance speech second out of six inductees.
“My delivery was probably a C-,” he joked. “But I feel like I said everything I wanted to say to the people who were important. I’m sure I stumbled and stammered through my speech, but I didn’t get emotional until I finished and found the courage to look up at the crowd. People were standing. That’s when it all really hit me.”
Lamonica credits the Valley staff for his Hall of Fame nomination: Doug Elgin, commissioner; Jack Watkins, senior associate commissioner, marketing and television; Mike Kern, senior associate commissioner, communications; and Patty Viverito, Missouri Valley Football Conference commissioner.
“Normally, I’m the person who hosts the hall of famers from the time they get to St. Louis through the induction ceremony, the media interviews, and the autograph session,” said Lamonica. “This year was different—and unforgettable. In 2025, I’ll be glad to return to my old job out of the spotlight.”
A new challenge
Lamonica is still exhaling from a whirlwind month, and he’ll barely have time to catch his breath before another culminating moment—the rollout of the School of Communication’s highly anticipated sports communication major. Since the idea first landed, Lamonica has been instrumental in its creation. Final approval from the Illinois Board of Higher Education is expected soon, and the anticipated start date for the new major is fall 2025. The proposal was approved by the Academic Senate on December 6, 2023.
“Dr. Joseph Blaney and Dr. Pete Smudde have really done the heavy lifting getting this major proposed,” said Lamonica. “I’m ready for whatever comes next and am just happy to be here to contribute where I’m needed.”
The new major in sports communication will build student knowledge, skills, abilities, and attitudes in the ideation, planning, implementation, and evaluation of communication efforts specifically meant for sports and athletics organizations. The breadth and depth of sports will include all types: professional and esports teams, community programs and semi-professional leagues, equipment manufacturers and venues for digital and physical action, and more.
Lamonica’s course on strategic communication in sports will be an integral, required part of the major.
“Students in COM 259 will learn how to write well, problem solve, and engage in group work,” he said. “I always bring guest speakers into the classroom, too, many of whom are communication alums.”
The School of Communication is fortunate to have Lamonica’s knowledge, commitment, history and Redbird legacy backing this program.
“When people hear the name Tom Lamonica, they immediately think athletics,” said Dr. Aimee Miller-Ott, interim director of the School of Communication. “They think public relations and sports communication. Tom has played such a pivotal role in our school for decades, and we’re lucky to have his expertise, leadership, and energy as this new program begins.”
“You’ve got to have passion. In anything you do, you have to be passionate.”
Tom Lamonica
Lamonica is a Redbird legacy in more ways than one. Not only is he a Missouri Valley Conference Hall of Fame inductee, he’s also an award-winning educator, mentor, and fierce friend.
“Tom Lamonica was my favorite instructor at ISU,” said Brian Szramek ’23, a public relations major who took several of Lamonica’s courses. “He was the most genuine and understanding professor I’ve ever had. He has a passion for teaching and helping others that is unparalleled to anyone else I know, other than my mom. Tom has been a great mentor to me and helped me in my academic and professional career.”
“You’ve got to have passion,” said Lamonica. “In anything you do, you have to be passionate.”
It’s another first-ballot piece of advice from a man with impeccable taste in naming iconic mascots.
Congratulations on your induction into the 2024 Missouri Valley Conference Hall of Fame, Tom! We’re all Redbird Proud of you!
