Jan. 13, 2010

CHICAGO- UIC head men's basketball coach Jimmy Collins has been selected as one of the Chicago Defender Men of Excellence, the publication recently announced.

The Men of Excellence honor is described by the Chicago Defender as "a very special class of men who are recognized for the excellence they demonstrate daily in their professional and personal lives."

Collins is one of 50 African-American men in the Chicagoland area from a wide array of professional backgrounds to receive the honor.

"Being selected for such a meaningful contribution to the community is an honor for me," said Collins. "Our community has done so very much for me, and I have tried very hard to give back.

"I thank everyone at the Chicago Defender and all parties involved with the Men of Excellence for this recognition, and I congratulate the 49 other men who earned this prestigious designation," Collins said. "I know I will do my very best to continue to live up to the great expectations of this honor."

Collins is UIC's all-time winningest coach with 215 career victories since 1996. He has led the Flames to four postseason berths, including the school's first-ever NCAA tournament bid in 1998 and two more trips to the Big Dance in 2002 and 2004.

The 62-year old coaching veteran has also made countless significant contributions to the community. He has served as co-chairman of the Chicago Special Olympics and is deeply involved with the Illinois Chapter of the Lupus Foundation of America, just two of his numerous community service commitments. Collins also recently started the Jimmy and Hettie Collins Endowment Fund to raise money for scholarships for UIC students.

Each member of the Men of Excellence will be honored at a reception inside the historic Parkway Ballroom this week.

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2. Download podcasts for free on iTunes by searching "UIC Flames."

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