SR1136 101ST GENERAL ASSEMBLY

SR1136 LRB101 21358 LAW 71979 r

SENATE RESOLUTION

WHEREAS, The members of the Illinois Senate are saddened to learn of the death of Steven L. "Steve" Adams of Bloomington, who passed away on May 8, 2020; and

WHEREAS, Steve Adams was born in Bloomington to Kenneth and Freda Pomrenke Adams on October 9, 1946; he earned his Bachelor of Science in Business Administration from Illinois Wesleyan University in 1968; he served in the U.S. Army as a Specialist 5th Class with the United Nations Command in Seoul, South Korea from 1968 to 1970; he was awarded the Joint Services Commendation Medal for Meritorious Service; he completed graduate coursework in counseling at Illinois State University; he married Sandra "Sandi" Platta on June 3, 1977; and

WHEREAS, Steve Adams began announcing Municipal League baseball games at McCormick Field as a teenager; his association with the local sports scene led to a 10-year career as a sports writer and an assistant sports editor for The Daily Pantagraph; and

WHEREAS, Steve Adams maintained a professional career at Illinois State University that spanned 37 years; he joined the Office of Admissions as an assistant to the director in 1976; four years later, he was named associate director of Admissions; he oversaw a departmental transition to Enrollment Management, where he became director; he also served as acting director of Financial Aid and was an assistant to the provost; he was appointed vice president of Student Affairs in 2006; following his retirement in 2011, he continued to serve out of the president's office for two more years; and

WHEREAS, Steve Adams was well known as the Voice of the Redbirds for over 40 years, using his familiar, rich voice to enhance the fan experience in the Redbird Arena for Illinois State University men's basketball games and at Hancock Stadium for football as the public address announcer; he also announced the Illinois High School Association's state championships in football for over 20 years and both the boys and girls basketball state finals for over 10 years; and

WHEREAS, Steve Adams received a number of awards during his career, including the Neal R. Gamsky Quality of Student Life Award from ISU Student Affairs, the Stretch Miller Award for service to ISU Athletics, the Joseph F. Warner Golden Redbird Award, and the Missouri Valley Conference Most Courageous Award; he was recognized by the Illinois Basketball Coaches Association Hall of Fame and the University High School Alumni Association Pioneer Hall of Fame; the Illinois State Alumni Association named him an honorary member; and

WHEREAS, Steve Adams was known for his commitment and dedication to excellence; he was beloved as a boss and admired by his colleagues; his caring and nurturing nature contributed to his ability to excel during his tenure in Student Affairs at Illinois State University; and

WHEREAS, Steve Adams was preceded in death by his parents; his sister, Nancy Adams Tjaden; and his brother-in-law, Donald Tjaden; and

WHEREAS, Steve Adams is survived by his wife, Sandi; his daughters, Katie (Ben) Hart and SuzAnne Smithson; his grandchildren, Lauren Hart, Alex Hart, Riley Smithson, and Cooper Smithson; his niece, Linda (Bob) St. John; and his nephew, Scott Tjaden; therefore, be it

RESOLVED, BY THE SENATE OF THE ONE HUNDRED FIRST GENERAL ASSEMBLY OF THE STATE OF ILLINOIS, that we mourn the passing of Steven L. "Steve" Adams and extend our sincere condolences to his family, friends, and all who knew and loved him; and be it further

RESOLVED, That a suitable copy of this resolution be presented to the family of Steve Adams as an expression of our deepest sympathy.