NORMAL, Ill. – In recognition of their support of the Weisbecker Scholarship Fund for many years, Phares and Harriet O'Daffer were named the recipient of the 2015 Joseph F. Warner Golden Redbird Award. Illinois State Director of Athletics Larry Lyons and Rose Stadel, the widow of the late Joe Warner, presented the award to the couple at halftime of the Illinois State football game Saturday against Northern Iowa at Hancock Stadium.
The Joseph F. Warner Golden Redbird Award is the highest honor bestowed to a donor by the Illinois State Athletics Department and recognizes individuals for dedication and loyal support of the Weisbecker Scholarship Fund and Illinois State athletics through exemplary service, leadership, and financial support. It was renamed in 2003 after the death of Joe, a WSF and Twin Cities leader, who died in a plane crash.
"We're so excited to recognize Phares and Harriet O'Daffer with the 2015 Joseph F. Warner Golden Redbird Award," Illinois State Assistant Athletics Director for Development Matt Lyons said. "Phares and Harriet have been instrumental in the success of Illinois State Athletics for many decades through their gifts of time, treasure and support. Although recognition has never been a motivation for Phares and Harriet, their actions exemplify what this award represents and we are thrilled to be able to show our gratitude for their commitment to Illinois State University."
Phares and Harriett have been Redbird fans, season ticket holders, and Weisbecker Scholarship Fund members since they met at Illinois State in 1951, making them among the longest and most generous supporters of Illinois State Athletics.
In addition to 60-plus years as season ticket holders and donors to the WSF, Phares and Harriett, who both have a bachelor's and master's degree from Illinois State University, have been supportive of numerous facility enhancement projects including the Arena Completion Project and the Hancock Stadium Renovation.
Additionally, the O'Daffer's have been generous in their support of the academic pursuits of ISU students, creating the O'Daffer Fellowship in 2003.
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