The Greater Philadelphia Illini Club has won the highest honor for an alumni club. The University of Illinois Alumni Association awarded its 2009 Outstanding Club Award to the Philadelphia club during its annual Leadership Conference.  The club was one of three small clubs in the country to receive the award during Illinois' 99th Homecoming celebration. 

UIAA Associate Director Lori Frost praised the club for its variety of activites ranging from the WHYY Radio fundraiser to the large Penn State vs Illinois Tailgate, which the club believes put it on the map as an area alumni club. "This event was not just about their club members.  It was about serving as host to all alumni and fans, " said Frost. 

The club also was honored for giving out its first scholarship to a Philadelphia area student.  The Greater Philly Illini Club received a banner during the awards luncheon.  Giving out the award were UIAA President & CEO Loren Taylor and Vanessa Faurie, Interim VP and Acting Associate Chancellor for Alumni Relations for the Urbana campus.  Receiving the award for the club were club treasurer Robin Ahern and club president Kit Beyer.