Feb. 22, 2012

NORMAL, Ill. - In recognition of their support of the Weisbecker Scholarship Fund for years, Jack and Chris Currin were named the recipients of the 2012 Joseph F. Warner Golden Redbird Award. Illinois State Director of Athletics Gary Friedman and Rose Stadel, the widow of the late Joe Warner, presented the award to the Currins at halftime of the Illinois State basketball game Wednesday night against Wichita State on Doug Collins Court at Redbird Arena.

The Joseph F. Warner Golden Redbird Award is the highest honor bestowed to a donor by the Illinois State Athletics Department and recognizes individuals for dedication and loyal support of the Weisbecker Scholarship Fund and Illinois State athletics through exemplary service, leadership, and financial support. It was renamed in 2003 after the death of Joe, a WSF and Twin Cities leader, who died in a plane crash.

"We are honored to award the Joseph F. Warner Golden Redbird Award to Jack and Chris Currin," Illinois State Assistant Athletics Director for Development Matt Lyons said. "The award is very well deserved and is representative of the support Jack and Chris continually give to Illinois State. We simply cannot thank them enough for their commitment, generosity and support. The Currin's have made a significant impact on our department, and more importantly, our student-athletes."

Jack and Chris Currin have been Redbird fans, season ticket holders, and Weisbecker Scholarship Fund members for decades. Jack has served on the WSF Advisory Board for over 15 years and both have been steadfast volunteers and participants at WSF and Illinois State Athletics events.

Furthermore, their commitment to ISU student-athletes has gone beyond their personal financial investments, as both have been active in the recruitment of new members and new resources for the WSF. Their significant and positive impact on the student-athletes at Illinois State University truly epitomizes the exemplary service, leadership and support this award represents.