Join the Division of Student Affairs on Friday, April 8, as we recognize the 2022 Legacy Hall of Fame inductees. The Legacy Hall of Fame, which began in 2014, is named in honor of Vice President Emeritus Steve Adams and former first lady of the division Sandi Adams for their many years of combined service and commitment to Illinois State University. It recognizes their lifelong dedication to the role holistic education plays in the life of a student, as well as their steadfast loyalty to Illinois State, the Division of Student Affairs, and the Redbird spirit. This year’s ceremony will include a tribute to Adams and his legacy at Illinois State University.
Induction into the Hall of Fame is an honor bestowed upon alumni who served as student leaders or student employees in the Division of Student Affairs. Recipients are recognized for their contributions while on campus and their post-graduation commitment to one or more of the following:
- Contributing new knowledge through research, scholarship, and creative pursuits.
- Providing enduring dedication to individualized attention.
- Promoting teamwork, respect for differences, and goals that celebrate diversity.
- Enhancing the quality of life for communities through collaborative and individual action.
We will recognize the following 2022 inductees:
Dr. André McKenzie ’77, M.S. ’79
Dr. André McKenzie ’77, M.S. ’79, was named to Who’s Who Among Students in American Colleges & Universities, participated in the High Potential Student Program (HPS), and is a 1976 initiate of Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity Inc., Eta Tau Chapter. As a graduate student, McKenzie held assistantships with Illinois State’s Office of Residential Life. After Illinois State, McKenzie received his M.Ed. and Ed.D. degrees from Teachers College, Columbia University. He currently serves as vice provost and interim chief diversity officer at St. John’s University in New York. He has devoted 30-plus years of successive and progressive leadership service to St. John’s University. McKenzie is a contributing author to African American Fraternities and Sororities: The Legacy and the Vision (2005), Student Freedom Revisited: New Issues and Perspectives (2005), and Alpha Phi Alpha: A Legacy of Greatness, The Demands of Transcendence (2012), and Student Affairs in Urban-Serving Institutions: Voices from Senior Leaders (2019). He has also contributed articles to the NASPA (National Association of Student Personnel Administrators) Journal. McKenzie is past-president of the Teachers College, Columbia University Alumni Council. Additionally, he is a member of the Board of Trustees of the Brooklyn Emerging Leaders Academy Charter High School and St. Francis Preparatory School in Fresh Meadows, Queens.
Brian Bernardoni ’91
As a student, Brian Bernardoni ’91 was Student Body vice president, Student Rights director, Illinois State University Senior Challenge co-chair, Delta Sigma Phi president, Fell Hall Community Council president, and Bloomington Normal Human Relations Commission commissioner. Bernardoni currently works as a senior director for the Chicago Association of Realtors. He is a husband, father, experienced lobbyist, community and civic leader, noted baseball historian, and experienced association executive. He has represented real estate, business, and community interests in Chicago since 1996. Committed to giving back, he serves in regional and national leadership roles within his profession and is in several civic organizations and boards where he has been recognized by governmental, law enforcement, cultural, and sports organizations.
Jerry Barrio ’98, M.S. ’00
Jerry Barrio ’98, M.S. ’00, was a resident assistant for three years and an assistant residence hall coordinator for two and a half years. He served on a wide variety of university committees and presented on behalf of Illinois State numerous times (at the state and national levels). He has won top presentation awards, including the presentation about the celebration of Latino culture and another of how to help people with disabilities on campus. Barrio also received the Hoelting Team Player Award in housing at Illinois State University. Barrio has committed his life to teaching and mentorship. After Illinois State, he received his doctorate in education in 2018 from the American College of Education. He currently works as a schoolteacher for District U-46 in Elgin. Barrio is the sponsor of the Future Teacher Club (FTC) at Streamwood High School, a club that prepares high school students who plan to become future teachers.
Lola Tomorrow ’08
Lola Tomorrow ‘08 helped to create a safe place for 100-plus fellow students to experience community and fellowship through weekly choir rehearsals and special events of the Interdenominational Youth Choir. Under her leadership, choir members were able to network through our annual choir workshops with other state universities such as Northern Illinois and Western Illinois. She used her event planning passion as a student to coordinate and plan weekend retreats where that consisted of breakout sessions and speakers. Tomorrow is now an entrepreneur, philanthropist, trailblazer, and influencer. In addition to her distinguished accomplishments of serving as a former aide to Michelle Obama, Tomorrow has also created and hosted her own TEDx Speaking event and professionally serves as a multimillion-dollar event planner. She works behind the scenes with major corporations and top influencers to skillfully piece together profitable businesses.
Doors open at 9:30 a.m. with the ceremony beginning at 10 a.m. in the Old Main Room of the Bone Student Center. A reception will follow the ceremony.
For more information or if you need an accommodation to fully participate in this event, please contact the Office of the Vice President for Student Affairs at (309) 438-1748.
