It’s hard to find anyone more loyal to Redbird Athletics than Parker Kemp and his family members, who have been actively involved with the University’s program for nearly three decades.
For more than 27 years, the Kemps have been faithful in cheering on student-athletes at numerous ISU athletics events. Three children—Tony Jenkins, Rene Shafer, and Nick Kemp—enjoyed following the Redbirds while each was on campus completing a degree.
The Kemps have also been consistent in supporting the Weisbecker Scholarship Fund, which provides for student-athlete scholarships and promotes the development of Intercollegiate Athletics at Illinois State. Their contributions over time have made a very significant and positive impact in the lives of numerous student-athletes.
Redbird Athletics showed appreciation for the Kemp family’s support by naming them the 2011 recipient of the Joseph F. Warner Golden Redbird Award. The highest honor bestowed by the Illinois State Athletics Department, the award recognizes individuals for dedication and loyal support of the Weisbecker Fund and Illinois State Athletics through exemplary service, leadership, and financial support. It was renamed in 2003 after the death of Joe, a Weisbecker Scholarship Fund leader who died in a plane crash.
Illinois State Interim Athletics Director Larry Lyons and Rose Stadel, Joe’s widow, presented the award to the family at halftime of an Illinois State and Bradley University basketball game in February.
