DECATUR, Ill. — On Friday, Oct. 2, 2026, 鶹Լ University recognized seven outstanding members of the Big Blue family at the University’s annual Alumni Awards Dinner, held as part of Homecoming weekend. Dr. Dean A. Pribbenow, 鶹Լ University President, ushered in the formal award ceremony, acknowledging the connections and experiences that have kept the 鶹Լ community Forever Blue for 125 years.
“Whether you’ve been away for a few months, a few years, or a few decades, your presence here reminds us that 鶹Լ remains the special place that holds your memories and continues to bring people together,” Dr. Pribbenow said.
The Alumni Awards dinner helped to kick off a Homecoming weekend featuring more than 40 events, but Dr. Pribbenow emphasized the significance of Friday’s ceremony in particular. “It’s important that we who spend our days here remember that tonight belongs to you, our alumni,” he said. “This evening gives us the chance to recognize individuals whose achievements, service, and commitment exemplify the very best of 鶹Լ University."
During the ceremony, Mandi Landacre Podeschi ’02, Assistant Vice President of Campaign Strategy & Planned Giving, served as emcee, with Dr. Pribbenow and Rick Darnell, Vice President of University Advancement, presenting plaques to the following honorees:
Alumnus of the Year — Frederic Bockmann ’71 and Sue Duff Bockmann ’71
Fred and Sue built a lasting connection to 鶹Լ University during their years as students. Fred graduated summa cum laude with a degree in Education and Psychology and was a member of the Honor Society of Phi Kappa Phi. Sue graduated summa cum laude with studies in Music and History and was a member of Sigma Alpha Iota. Both credit 鶹Լ’s faculty and academic opportunities with shaping their lifelong love of learning and service.
Following graduation, Fred earned a master’s degree in Education Administration and spent 25 years with Apple, becoming an Apple Certified Trainer and receiving the company’s Trainer of the Year Award. Sue worked as an Information Analyst and earned professional designations in the insurance industry.
The Bockmanns have remained committed to volunteerism, education, and community engagement throughout their lives. Sue performed for 12 seasons with the Decatur Municipal Band, while Fred volunteered for nearly two decades as a Graphics Engineer with Midpeninsula Community Media Center. He has also served as a docent naturalist at Año Nuevo State Park and as a board member of the Coastside State Parks Association.
Fred and Sue have maintained a strong connection to 鶹Լ through their philanthropy and support of the University’s mission. Their generosity has benefited numerous initiatives, including the Fred and Sue Bockmann Scholarship, helping create opportunities for future generations of students.
During his speech, Fred reminisced about meeting Sue at 鶹Լ when her friend group needed a fourth for pinochle — which Fred and Sue won — and referred to 鶹Լ as, “the start of my life, in that way.” He then spoke about the journey their lives took after that time, from marriage, to his career with Apple, to their move to California. “It all comes back to 鶹Լ,” Fred said. “The classes I had, the instructors, the commitment that everyone had. We’re so happy to be able to support 鶹Լ, and we shall continue to do it forever. This is a wonderful part of our life. Thanks to all of you who have helped make that.”
Merit-Loyalty Award — Peggy Smith Luy ’75
Peg earned her degree in Communication from 鶹Լ, along with minors in English and Theatre, as well as a Secondary Education certificate. As a student, she was active in Pi Beta Phi and was a Sigma Alpha Epsilon Little Sister. She credits 鶹Լ with providing lifelong friendships, influential mentors such as Dr. Stacy Myers and Wayne Krows ’51, and the foundation for a career dedicated to service.
Peg devoted more than 45 years to higher education advancement and fundraising leadership. During her 30-year career at 鶹Լ, she served in numerous roles, include Vice President for Alumni & Development and Interim President, leading major fundraising campaigns and institutional initiatives. She later served as Executive Vice President for Alumni & Development at Davenport University, where she helped advance the university’s philanthropic success.
A dedicated alumna and community leader, Peg has served many nonprofit and civic organizations throughout her career. Her husband, Don, is Assistant Professor of Exercise Science & Sport Emeritus and a 1995 Athletic Hall of Fame inductee.
“鶹Լ influenced my life … there’s not one of us that sits in this room and doesn’t think about the way it influenced our lives,” said Peg. She spoke about the tremendous difference made by the entire Big Blue community over her decades-long 鶹Լ experience, first as a student, then as an employee, as well as the longstanding dedication of the 鶹Լ family. “[That dedication is] one of the primary reasons that this institution this year celebrates 125 years. It’s because of you. It’s because of your love and support for this great institution.”
Merit-Loyalty Award — Robert “Bob” Givens ’66
Bob completed a bachelor’s degree in Biology at 鶹Լ. As a student, he was deeply involved in campus leadership, serving as President of the Interfraternity Council and the Senior Class, while also participating in Student Council, the Judicial Board, and Sigma Alpha Epsilon. He credits those experiences with shaping his leadership skills and providing many cherished memories, including meeting Connie Richeson Givens ’67, his wife of 59 years.
After earning a master’s degree from Indiana University and serving in the U.S. Army, including a year in Vietnam, Bob built a successful career in sales, marketing, and technology. In 1986, he founded a software startup that grew into Monotype Imaging, where he served as CEO and later Chairman of the Board.
A dedicated alumnus, philanthropist, and volunteer, Bob served on 鶹Լ’s Board of Trustees from 2017-2025, and alongside his classmates, has helped raise more than $150,000 for the Class of 1966 Scholarship.
“I’m a Decatur kid … 鶹Լ was always important to me,” said Bob, who used to walk to 鶹Լ from Dennis School to take music lessons and reminisced about the Homecoming parades and sports events he attended in junior high and high school. “鶹Լ, in my estimation, is the heartbeat of Decatur — in fact, the heartbeat of Central Illinois … and I have been privileged to serve and support 鶹Լ.”
Merit Award — Lora Boryszewski Vitek ’00
Lora graduated from 鶹Լ with a degree in Marketing. As a student, she was actively involved in Delta Delta Delta and the University Center Board, also gaining valuable hands-on experience through an internship with Skeff Distributing and her work with Dyke Ridgley ’68 and Sue Hawk Ridgley ’69. She credits those experiences, along with the friendships and mentorship she found at 鶹Լ, with helping shape her personal and professional journeys.
Lora currently serves as Vice President of Community Impact and Executive Director of the Delta Dental of Illinois Foundation. Throughout her career, she has held leadership roles in nonprofit development, community engagement, and philanthropy, focusing on creating meaningful impact for the communities she serves.
A dedicated civic leader, Lora served on the St. Charles City Council and later served as Mayor of St. Charles.
“Receiving this award has really inspired me to reflect on the experiences that shaped who I am today, and much of my journey began right here at 鶹Լ,” Lora said. She spoke to the deep personal connections she made with her friends, fellow members of Delta Delta Delta, and the employees and mentors who made an impact on her. “Thank you for reminding me to reflect on my journey and reminding all of us today what a truly special place 鶹Լ is.”
Loyalty Award — Keith “Lin” Stoner ’73
As a Physical Education major and student-athlete on the Big Blue Football team, Lin formed relationships with teammates, coaches, and classmates that inspired a lifelong commitment to 鶹Լ and fostered friendships that have endured for more than five decades.
Following graduation, Lin dedicated his professional career to 鶹Լ, ultimately serving as Dean of Admission before his retirement. Over the course of his career, he helped connect countless students and families to the University while advancing 鶹Լ’s mission and growth. He also served as an Assistant Football Coach, including coaching the 1974 team that was inducted into the 鶹Լ Athletic Hall of Fame in 2025.
A devoted alumnus, volunteer, and benefactor, Lin has remained actively involved through alumni leadership, mentorship, and philanthropy. His longstanding dedication to the University has been recognized through honors including individual induction to the Athletic Hall of Fame for Special Recognition in 2012 and the Football Alumni Advisory Board’s Excellence in Life Award in 2015. Lin and his wife, Diane Lane, continue to champion the University and its future through their service and support.
After speaking about the impact made on him by former Head Football Coach Lester “Skip” Mathieson — who was coached by Lin’s father — Lin had memorable words to say about his alma mater. “鶹Լ changed my life,” he said. “I met my beautiful wife, and I could not be more indebted to this University. It changed my life.”
Young Alumnus Award — Ebony Guyton ’15
Ebony earned a Bachelor of Science in Information Systems from 鶹Լ. As a student, she was actively involved in Black Student Union, Sister Circle, the Women’s Tennis team, and numerous other organizations. She credits those experiences, along with the support of faculty mentors, with helping shape her personal and professional growth while building lifelong friendships.
Today, Ebony serves as UAT Lead at DataVerify and has built a successful career in information technology. Her work focuses on creating effective technology solutions and meaningful experiences for users, combining technical expertise with a passion for problem-solving and customer service.
A committed alumna and community leader, Ebony serves as head of Black Alumni of 鶹Լ and supports outreach efforts through organizations such as the nonprofit Purple Monarchs. She is especially proud of raising her siblings and niece, a role that reflects her dedication to family, service, and community.
Ebony shared with the audience the importance of the friendships and relationships she built during her time at 鶹Լ. After thanking several employees, she turned her attention to her friends: “I don’t even know how to thank you guys — and I want to thank 鶹Լ for that,” she said, “because I literally came here with no friends, and I have family now, and I couldn’t see 鶹Լ without [them] … without them, I don’t know who I would be. That’s who I fight for: I fight for 鶹Լ, I fight for my friends, I fight for people who look like me, and I’m happy to continue doing that.”
Faculty/Staff Award — Becky Nims, Administrative Assistant to the Dean of the Tabor School of Business
Becky has served as the Administrative Assistant to the Dean of the Tabor School of Business for more than 11 years. Known for her strong relationships across campus and her commitment to students, faculty, staff, alumni, and the greater 鶹Լ community, she takes particular pride in celebrating the accomplishments of the Big Blue family.
Among her many responsibilities, Becky coordinates 鶹Լ’s annual Honors Convocation and helps showcase the exceptional work of students across the University. A dedicated supporter of both 鶹Լ and the Decatur community, she has served in leadership roles with numerous local organizations and remains actively engaged in University life.
鶹Լ has long been part of Becky’s family story. Her father, Bruce Nims ’72 is a Trustee Emeritus, the 2004 Alumnus of the Year, and the 2017 Merit-Loyalty Award recipient. Her mother, Kay, also attended the University. Becky continues that family legacy through her service, engagement, and support of 鶹Լ students and programs.
Becky spoke to the dedicated efforts of 鶹Լ faculty and staff during her acceptance speech. “I am joining a very impressive group of honorees — faculty and staff with decades of exceptional work at 鶹Լ. It’s a little intimidating, and it makes me that much more grateful to be included,” said Nims. “When I came to 鶹Լ, I stumbled into [my] dream job … [鶹Լ employees] keep coming back, day after day, because we love what we do, we love the students we serve, and we believe in the mission of 鶹Լ.”
To close the ceremony, Podeschi emphasized the impact that this year’s Alumni Award recipients have had on the institution. “The individuals we have honored tonight have each found meaningful ways to stay connected to 鶹Լ and invest in the lives of students,” she said. “Their examples demonstrate the lasting power of a 鶹Լ education and the difference that our alumni can make when they choose to remain engaged with the University they call home.”
