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Western Illinois University President Jack Thomas is pictured with Mary Lakie-Hermann, wife of WIU Professor Emeritus George Hermann.
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Western Illinois Senior Olympics Renamed for WIU Professor Emeritus George Hermann

March 5, 2018

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MACOMB, IL – To celebrate the life of Western Illinois University Professor Emeritus George Hermann, a popular physical education activity was renamed in his memory.

The Western Illinois Senior Olympics, which Hermann founded in 1980, will now be known as the George Hermann Western Illinois Senior Olympics. Hermann's family was surprised with the announcement during a ceremony on campus Feb. 23.

The renaming was the idea of Associate Professor Michael Lukkarinen and Assistant Professor Tim Piper.

Hermann passed away Jan. 14 He joined WIU's faculty in 1967, serving as a teacher and graduate coordinator of the College of Health, Physical Education and Recreation, and was named chair of the Men's Physical Education Department in 1979. Hermann retired from Western in 1986.
 
Herman was also instrumental in developing the University's sport management program, and he founded the Western Illinois Senior Olympics in Fall 1980, organized the first regional games in Spring 1981 and served as the state coordinator for the Illinois Regional Senior Olympics for 23 years. In addition to serving an administrative role, Hermann also participated in the Senior Olympics at both the regional and state levels, setting two records at the state level.

In addition to his on-campus work, Hermann was also an active volunteer in the Macomb community. He was a member of the executive board of the local Habitat for Humanity office and a former president of the Macomb Kiwanis Club.
 
Hermann served as the head of the U.S. Delegation of Educators to the International Olympic Academy in Greece in 1981. Following his retirement from WIU, he taught a graduate course in sport management for the U.S. Sports Academy in Hong Kong, Singapore, Kuala Lumpur and Malaysia. In 2014, he also established a graduate scholarship in kinesiology for WIU sport management majors.
 
For additional obituary information about Hermann, visit dodsworthfh.com/obituary/george-hermann.


Posted By: University Communications (U-Communications@wiu.edu)
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