Gifts in Action - The McAfees

MEET THE MCAFEES

Floyd H. McAfee was a 1957 physical education alumnus at the U of I. He was a tackle on Coach Ray Eliot's Fighting Illini football team and was selected as an All America honorable mention. He spent much of his career with the U.S. Army and retired as colonel in 1984; during his service, he received several commendations and earned two master’s degrees. He also taught three years at West Point. After retirement, until the time of his death, he served as associate dean of business at the Charles S. Mott Community College.

Etta Ulmer McAfee, his wife, was an ardent activist, and this evolved into her becoming the first African-American social director at the Unites States Military Academy. She was a founding member of the first Army Family Worldwide Symposium, which produced new policies that improved the quality of life for military families and created Operation Christmas Lift and Book Lift, Kansas statewide drives to provide military troops in Vietnam with gifts and moral support.

HOW THEY GAVE

As a meaningful 50th wedding anniversary gift for their parents, the children of Floyd and Etta McAfee established a fund that would support students in the College of Applied Life Studies. Floyd died from cancer a few days after the fund was established, but was aware of his children’s intentions and quite pleased to know that his alma mater would benefit from their generosity.

The Floyd and Etta McAfee Award was fully endowed in 2005 and the interest income provides permanent annual support for students who have a commitment to multicultural issues. Students within any academic unit of the college are eligible to apply. Pictured here in spring 2005, are Etta McAfee (right) and her daughter, Floydetta (left) with Dornecia Hunter, a junior in community health and the first recipient of the award. Dornecia plans to pursue a graduate degree and a career focused on improving access to healthcare by under-served populations.

WHY THEY GAVE

“Our parents committed their lives to helping others reach their potential,” said daughter Floydetta McAfee of Alexandria, Virginia. “They were also very proud of their University of Illinois affiliation so this seemed a fitting way to honor them while helping students whose careers will continue their legacy.”

WHAT PEOPLE ARE SAYING

“Addressing the health and wellness needs of our diverse society is among our highest priorities within Applied Life Studies,” said Dean Tanya Gallagher. “The Floyd and Etta McAfee Award provides a wonderful way for us to encourage and support students in this important area of study. We are tremendously grateful to the McAfee family for their generosity and for their commitment to helping future generations of students.”

Story courtesy ALS Office of Development and Alumni Relations.