Two LAS graduates named Chicago Illini of the Year

Two alumni from the College of Liberal Arts & Sciences have received the 2018 Chicago Illini of the Year Award.

Elizabeth Pieroth, (BS, ’88, psychology) and Steven Thayer (BA, ’88, economics), earned the prestigious distinction for their accomplishments in medicine and law, respectively.

This award recognizes the accomplishments of Chicago-area graduates of Illinois. Up to three distinguished alumni who live and work in Chicago or a Chicago suburb are honored each year, co-sponsored by the Illinois Alumni Association and the Chicago Illini Club.

Thomas DiSanto (BS, ’87, agriculture) from the College of Agriculture, Consumer and Environmental Sciences was also named a recipient of the award.

Pieroth is a board certified clinical neuropsychologist and recipient of the 2016 LAS Alumni Achievement Award. Considered one of the nation’s top sports concussion experts, she serves as a head injury specialist for the Chicago Bears, Blackhawks, White Sox, and Fire, and is associate director of the NorthShore University HealthSystem Sports Concussion Program. In recognition of her two decades working with NHL players, USA Hockey honored her with the 2016 Excellence in Safety Award. Most recently, the NFL named Pieroth to its Head, Neck and Spine Committee.

Pieroth’s expertise extends to the youth ranks as well. She works with colleges and high schools across Illinois and serves on the USA Football Heads Up Advisory Committee, the U.S. Soccer Concussion Task Force, and the Amateur Hockey Association of Illinois Safety Committee.

Thayer is a founding partner of the Chicago-based law firm Handler Thayer. He serves as chairman of the commercial practice group, which focuses on real estate, sports, entertainment, and corporate and business law. During his career, Thayer has represented entrepreneurs and business owners in the formation, funding, and sale of their businesses.

In addition, he performs financial and estate planning for families. In 2013, he was a finalist for the prestigious Family Office Review Award—Best Private Client Lawyer in North America.

Thayer has been involved in various civic and community causes, including the Hinsdale Public Library Foundation, Hinsdale Village Caucus, Committee of 100 Community Leaders, Entrepreneurs Organization, Sigma Chi Fraternity alumni organizations, and the University of Illinois Foundation’s President’s Council.

In 2015, Acquisition Finance Magazine named Thayer Real Estate Lawyer of the Year.