November 3, 2015 | Men's Golf
The Illini senior was recognized for his top-notch character
Atlanta, Ga. - Fighting Illini redshirt senior Alex Burge was presented with the inagural Tom Cousins Award at the East Lake Cup Celebration on Monday night, Nov. 2. The new award will be presented annually to an outstanding male and female golfer who exemplify the values of the East Lake Foundation: excels in academics, engaged in his or her community and has overcome adversity.
The award is named for Tom Cousins, founder of the East Lake Foundation, which transformed a community in despair into a thriving neighborhood, now a national model for community redevelopment through Purposes Built Communities.
"We're all very proud of Alex for winning the inaugural Tom Cousins Award," head coach Mike Small said. "This honors the quality person that he is, and we're proud that he is a member of Illinois Golf."
Studying business management at the University of Illinois, Burge has helped the Illini to three NCAA National Championship appearances during his career so far. Not only is he an integral part of the Illini Golf program, Burge is very active in the local community. He participates in the Big Brothers, Big Sisters program and the Recycling for Families program, which distributes canned goods and other home goods to families in need in the Bloomington-Normal community.
Burge gives back to his hometown of Bloomington often as he also mentors young males in the area and participates in the annual Mid-Central Community Backpack Drive, which distributes backpacks full of school supplies to low-income families. He is a Salvation Army Holiday Bell Ringer, and has also assisted in the construction of a single-family home for Habitat for Humanity.
A two-time team Spirit Award winner, Burge is also a member of the Illinois Student Athlete Advisory Committee and the Freshmen Athlete Mentor Program.
Burge and the Illini will compete in the East Lake Cup finals this afternoon. Fans can follow the match play event live on the Golf Channel beginning at noon CT.
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