Roger Ebert Receives TOP U of I Recognition 2006

On Sunday, April 30th, Roger Ebert received the University of Illinois Alumni Association's premiere honor & recognition. As always, Roger Ebert was a grateful recipient, with kind words to say about his hometown of Urbana, IL, his parents, and the University of Illinois. He led the president of the University, B. Joseph White and Chancellor Richard Herman (along with the festival audience) in a rousing Illini chant claimed to be before the infamous "Oskee Wow Wow" we U of I graduates know and understand (or do we?). Anyway, it's times like these when I appreciate and respect Roger Ebert. His love for his parents is endearing. If only they were alive to see his progress in the career path he followed. His father was an electrician at the University of Illinois, and told Roger that perhaps a career as an English professor would be ideal since the father, when walking by the professors' offices would notice feet up on the desks, pipes being smoked, and books being read? "You need a job like that" said Roger's father. Sunday, April 30, 2006 in the Virginia Theatre, Champaign, IL From left to right: Roger Ebert, B. Joseph White, Richard Herman, two unknowns unfortunately--I apologize.
Congratulations to you, Mr. Roger Ebert. I appreciate you. The town of Champaign appreciates you. The city of Urbana appreciates you. The University of Illinois appreciates you. Thank you for being true to your school, your down-home folk, and your hometown(s).

P.S. Roger had on his good suit on Sunday, a blue shirt, nice shoes, and an orange & blue tie--he looked quite spiffy. Chaz Ebert looked on with pride; she is so supportive of her husband. She knows when to shine and she knows when to step back and let Roger shine. They have a respectful relationship, it's fresh to see in these days. -illinoisbutnotcountry