Distinguished Service Medallion 2008
MANNIE L. JACKSON
Mr. Jackson graduated from the University of Illinois in 1960 and is
remembered for his outstanding performance as a member of the men's
basketball team and for his role as the team's captain. After graduation
he became an exemplar as entrepreneur, business leader, and
philanthropist. Mr. Jackson has set a standard for excellence, loyalty,
and caring and has demonstrated leadership in all of his activities. In
2007, Mr. Jackson provided a significant gift to the College of Applied
Health Sciences at the Urbana-Champaign campus; and example of his
spirit of loyalty for his University and his faith in vesting in the
future. The Medallion was presented to Mr. Jackson at the Black Alumni
Reunion that was held in Chicago on June 18, 2008.
Board of Trustees Minutes
April 8, 2008
AWARD TRUSTEES’ DISTINGUISHED SERVICE MEDALLION
TO MANNIE L. JACKSON
The Trustees’ Distinguished Service Medallion was created to
recognize individuals whose contribution to the growth and development
of the University of Illinois, through extraordinary service or
benefaction, has been of unusual significance.
The Board is pleased to present the medallion to Mannie Jackson in
recognition of both extraordinary service and significant benefaction to
the University of Illinois.
A native of Edwardsville, Illinois, and a 1960 graduate of the
University of Illinois, Mr. Jackson is remembered for his outstanding
performance as a member of the men’s basketball team, including his role
as the team’s captain.
Since leaving Urbana-Champaign Mannie Jackson has returned often,
particularly in the last ten years. Of his visits back to his alma mater
he has said, “All of the memories come back and it’s a good experience
for me.”
In the years following his graduation he became an examplar as
entrepreneur, business leader, and philanthropist. Mannie Jackson has
set a standard for excellence, loyalty, and caring. From his rise in the
corporate world as an executive with Honeywell. Inc., to his decision
to purchase the Harlem Globetrotters and thus ensure that team’s
continuity in a new era, to his work to support causes to benefit the
oppressed and neglected across the globe, he has demonstrated leadership
at critical times.
In 2007, Mr. Jackson provided a significant gift to the College of
Applied Health Sciences at the Urbana-Champaign campus; an example of
his spirit of loyalty for his University and his faith in investing in
its future.
To Mannie Jackson, an extraordinary member of the University of
Illinois family, the members of the Board of Trustees take pride and
express great joy in presenting the Trustees’ Distinguished Service
Medallion.