A smooth jazz combo, elegant banquet settings and distinguished awards were all part of the annual Alumni Association Awards Dinner.

Several dozen alumni returned to Eastern’s homecoming weekend to take part in the celebrations, notably, nine of them were honored as prominent figures.

Eastern President Lou Hencken acknowledged Eastern’s strapping commitment to quality education, development and alumni respect, during his speech, which was met with many cheers.

“It’s wonderful to be able to say ‘hello and thank you’ to our returning alumnus,” Hencken said. “I want you all to remember one thing: You were part of this fantastic history of Eastern Illinois University.”

Award recipients included the Outstanding Young Alumnus, Capt. Gary Kelly, 2001 graduate; Alumnus Service Award, Ivan “Ike” Kennard, attended in 1944; and Distinguished Educator, Linda Kirby, 1989 graduate.

Capt. Kelly, winner of the Outstanding Young Alumnus award, is a decorated combat veteran who served two tour of duty in Iraq and claimed that under his leadership not one of his soldiers were killed or wounded during battle.

He thanked Eastern for preparing him with lifetime leadership skills and strengths.

Distinguished Educator Linda Kirby teaches at Eastern’s Special Education Department as well at Charleston High School as a biology and physical science teacher.

“It truly is an honor to be recognized as an educator,” Kirby said. “Eastern has so much to be proud of.”

Kennard owned and operated the Little Campus, later known as Ike’s from 1948 to 1988 and was said to have contributed financial assistance to many WWII veterans enrolled at Eastern.

He was unable to make the event. __

The Distinguished Alumnus Awards were the most prestigious awards of the evening.

Five winners were selected this year: Gregg Altobella, 1988 graduate; Brigadier General Joseph Balskus, 1976 graduate; John Currey, 1962 graduate; Gordon Grado, 1974 graduate; Jerry Van Dyke, attended in 1955; and Paul Ward who graduated in 1971.

Gardo founded medical centers in Arizona and Minnesota and established a new treatment for prostate cancer in 1989. After tweaking various techniques and programs, Gardo has personally performed the procedure over 5,000 times.

Altobella is the senior administrative director of orthopedic services for Cardinal Health System, as well as chief operations officer for the Midwest Health Strategies, a provider of physical rehabilitation therapy services, responsible for more than 500 employees.

Altobella said being chosen for this award has been surreal.

“My education foundations are embedded here at Eastern and being an R.A. at Carman Hall for three years really prepared me for anything,” he said.

Award winner Gen. Joseph Balskus concurred.

“Eastern taught me that discipline and study would lead to improvement over immediate comprehension,” he said. “I was totally inspired to complete a dual-masters program by my 21st birthday.”

He said Eastern is a remarkable community with students who know the difference between having a dream and making that dreams a reality.