Office of Development and Alumni Relations

Family Honors Parents’ Anniversary With Student Award Fund

The children of Floyd and Etta McAfee gathered in Troy, Michigan, on December 9, 2000, to celebrate their parents’ 50th wedding anniversary. In thinking about an anniversary gift that would be most meaningful, the children decided to establish a fund that would support students in the College of Applied Health Sciences. Sadly, their father Floyd died from cancer a few days later; however, he was aware of their intentions and quite pleased to know that his alma mater would benefit from his children’s generosity.

“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.”

As a physical education student, Floyd H. McAfee earned his bachelor’s degree from the U of I in 1957. As a tackle on Coach Ray Eliot's Fighting Illini football team, he was selected as All America honorable mention. Floyd spent much of his career with the U.S. Army, serving as a combat officer in Vietnam and as an advisor to the Vietnamese and Iranian armies, receiving numerous commendations, including a medal with three Oak Leaf Clusters and the Silver Star. During this time, he earned two master's degrees, one from Indiana University in health and safety studies and one from Central Michigan University in hospital administration. He also taught three years at the United States Military Academy, West Point, NY. Achieving the rank of colonel, Floyd retired in 1984. With a passion for academia, Colonel McAfee joined the faculty of the Charles S. Mott Community College, where he was serving as associate dean of business at the time of his death.

Etta Ulmer McAfee divided her time among raising their four children, taking college courses, and campaigning for social causes. Etta’s activism evolved into her becoming the first African-American social director at the Unites States Military Academy; a founding member of the first Army Family Worldwide Symposium, which produced new policies that improved the quality of life for military families; and creating Operation Christmas Lift and Book Lift, Kansas statewide drives to provide military troops in Vietnam with gifts and moral support. Etta combined her love for family, her interest in the human condition and her political passions into a lifelong career of giving back to her community and serving others.

The Floyd and Etta McAfee Award was fully endowed this past year, 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.

“Addressing the health and wellness needs of our diverse society is among our highest priorities within Applied Health Sciences,” 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.”