CHAMPAIGN, Ill. – Jack McDermott, of Mokena, Ill., was named King Dad by the U. of I. Dad Association at its annual Dads Day weekend welcome reception on Sept. 27.
Reggie Ash, of Lake Bluff, Ill., was the runner up, with James Glowacz, of Chicago, and Dick Gillen, of Monmouth, Ill., tied for third.
The Dads Association carries on the King Dad tradition originally established by the Illini Union Board more than 30 years ago. The award recognizes one dad for his support, encouragement and inspiration. The winner receives an engraved plaque and is recognized on the field during the U. of I. football game on Dads Weekend.
McDermott has three daughters attending the U. of I. He was nominated by his oldest daughter, Darragh McDermott, a senior in the College of Education.
McDermott and his neighbors started Good Neighbors of Mokena, a nonprofit organization that helps families in need and provides support to the local schools. Darragh McDermott wrote that her dad “loves and cares about every single person that he meets,” and his contribution to the community inspires her to give back.
The Dads Association at the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, established in 1992, is believed to be one of the nation’s oldest parent organizations. The association supports programs, services and activities that promote the health, safety and well-being of the university community and serves as a parent liaison to the campus.
