Tom and Kay Cross Awarded 2020 Golden Redbird Award

NORMAL, Ill. – In recognition of their support of the Weisbecker Scholarship Fund (WSF) and Illinois State Athletics, Tom and Kay Cross have been named the recipients of the 2020 Joseph F. Warner Golden Redbird Award. The award was presented at halftime of the Illinois State men's basketball game against Drake on Feb. 22.
 
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 perished in a plane crash.

"We are honored to present the Joseph F. Warner Golden Redbird Award to Tom and Kay Cross," Illinois State Assistant Athletics Director for Development Sean Johnson said. "It would be tough to put into words the impact Tom and Kay have had on our department and in the lives of our student-athletes. They're incredibly generous people, and despite not wanting recognition, continue to go above and beyond whenever asked and it is thrilling to see them receive this award. They're compassionate and kind people who love Illinois State and we are lucky to have them here."  

Tom and Kay Cross have been dedicated supporters of the Weisbecker Scholarship Fund for over 30 years. In addition to decades of season ticket purchases for multiple sports and generous annual contributions to the WSF, the Cross' have invested in various facility enhancements and campaigns throughout the years.  

In the last year, Tom and Kay have made gifts to men's basketball, football, baseball, women's basketball, and track and field. Tom and Kay are always willing to go above and beyond for the Redbirds, and for that dedication they have been recognized for their longstanding loyalty.

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