The Big Ten Club of Southern California Person of the Year Award is one of the Club’s most distinguished traditions. Presented since 1985, the award honors exceptional individuals with meaningful Big Ten ties who have achieved excellence in their professions while embodying the values of leadership, service, integrity, and lasting impact.
Past honorees represent the breadth of the Big Ten family - from Heisman Trophy winners, coaches, and celebrated broadcasters to leaders of major entertainment companies, civic institutions, and more. See below for the full list of honorees.
The annual celebration brings together Big Ten Club members, past recipients, university and community leaders, Pasadena Tournament of Roses representatives, and other distinguished guests to recognize an individual whose achievements have brought distinction to the Big Ten and to the broader community
Past honorees represent the breadth of the Big Ten family - from Heisman Trophy winners, coaches, and celebrated broadcasters to leaders of major entertainment companies, civic institutions, and more. See below for the full list of honorees.
The annual celebration brings together Big Ten Club members, past recipients, university and community leaders, Pasadena Tournament of Roses representatives, and other distinguished guests to recognize an individual whose achievements have brought distinction to the Big Ten and to the broader community
FOR 2026 PERSON OF THE YEAR EVENT INFO, CLICK HERE
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2026 Honoree, kelly kahlThe Big Ten Club is proud to recognize Kelly Kahl as our 2026 Person of the Year, honoring an ongoing career and legacy that continues to embody the very best of the Big Ten. A double Big Ten alumnus, Kelly earned his B.A. in Communication Arts from the University of Wisconsin–Madison and went on to complete his master’s degree in communications at USC’s Annenberg School, giving him deep ties to two cornerstone universities in today’s conference.
Over a 30+ year career in television, Kelly rose from research intern at Warner Bros. to President of CBS Entertainment, where he led all parts of the entertainment division and kept CBS status as America’s most watched network intact with #1 lineups across primetime, daytime and late night. His leadership and impact have been recognized with major honors including the Wisconsin Alumni Association’s Distinguished Alumni Award, and the Los Angeles “Badger of the Year” Award, the top accolades for UW‑Madison graduates who combine professional achievement with service. |
Equally impressive is Kelly’s record of giving back. He and his wife Kim created the Kahl Family Media Production endowed Professorship, supported cutting‑edge media equipment for UW students, and spearheaded internship opportunities that open doors in the entertainment industry for Badgers and other Big Ten graduates. From mentoring students and championing philanthropy to hosting VIP Badger events in Southern California, Kelly Kahl exemplifies the spirit of the Big Ten Club - a leader whose success on the national stage is matched by his commitment to our universities and communities.
- Double Big Ten alum: UW–Madison B.A. in Communication Arts (’89) and master’s degree from USC Annenberg (‘91).
- Former President of CBS Entertainment, capping a 26‑year CBS career leading #1 primetime, daytime, and late‑night lineups.
- Architect behind scheduling and success of hits like Survivor, Everybody Loves Raymond, CSI, The Big Bang Theory, Blue Bloods, Ghosts, and Tracker.
- Recipient of the Wisconsin Alumni Association Distinguished Alumni Award and Los Angeles Badger of the Year, the top honors for UW alumni achievement and service.
- Major UW benefactor: he and his wife endowed the Kahl Family Media Production Professorship, funded cutting‑edge production equipment, and created an elite CBS internship pipeline for UW students.
- Hands‑on mentor and passionate fan: regular campus speaker, supporter of the Wisconsin Film Festival and Garding Against Cancer, and host of special VIP Badger events in LA.
- Embodies what the Big Ten Club Person of the Year is about: industry‑leading success, deep roots at two Big Ten universities, and a long track record of giving back.
VIDEO TRIBUTES FOR KELLY KAHL, 2026 HONOREE
Jeff Levering - announcer, Brewers; Tron Baker - Football player, USC; Shawn Eichorst - Athletic Director, University of Wisconsin; Bucky Badger - famous mascot; Fun Jeff Carpenter - friend; Phil Keoghan - Host, Amazing Race & Tough as Nails; Mallory Mason - former intern; Craig Casillas - friend; Terry Madigan, President, Pasadena Tournament of Roses; Seth Weiss - business partner, The Underground; Brian Anderson - announcer, Milwaukee Brewers; Missy Egan & Matt Katrosar - Then Young & The Restless talented actress (& friend); Tyler Barnes - Communications, Milwaukee Brewers; Barb & Ron Kahl - proud parents; Valerie Zibell & Archie - Wisconsin Foundation & American Family Children's Hospital Facility Dog; Brooklyn Q - friend; Moose Hass - 1976-1985 player, Milwaukee Brewers; Sean Hanish - family, friend & producing partner; Jeff Probst - Host, Survivor; Bruno - friend; Mark Guthier - Executive Director, Memorial Union; Henkhaus - friends; Jim "King Vulture" Slaton - 1971-1983 player, Milwaukee Brewers; Thomas Kahl - proud son; Eric Hoyt - Kahl Family Professor of Media Production; Phil Gonzales - Publicity, CBS; Erik Hellum - fellow Alumni Board member, University of Wisconsin; Tim Deaton - friend; Bill Raftery (Basketball Analyst, CBS); Justin Hartley & Sofia Pernas - famous people; Derek Johnson - Professor, Dept Chair, Film @ UW Comm Arts; Conrad Nussbaum - friend; Jim Rome - Host, Radio & TV.
Tribute letters were also sent by Tony Petitti, Commissioner, Big Ten Conference and Francois McGillicuddy, President at the Big Ten Network.
Tribute letters were also sent by Tony Petitti, Commissioner, Big Ten Conference and Francois McGillicuddy, President at the Big Ten Network.
PREVIOUS PERSON OF THE YEAR RECIPIENTS
Year 2026 2024 2020 2017 2016 2015 2014 2013 2012 2011 2010 2009 2008 2007 2006 2005 2004 2003 2001 2000 1999 1996 1995 1991 1985 |
Person of the Year Recipients Kelly Kahl Desmond Howard Steve Garvey Rashard Mendenhall Kirk Herbstreit Steve Alford Bob Miller Mark Murphy Pat Richter Sherry Lansing Franco Harris Lloyd Carr Barry Alvarez Bob Chapek Archie Griffin Drew Brees Fred “Tex” Winter Albert Wistert Keith Jackson John H. B. French Hayden Fry John Wooden James E. Delany Bob Hope Mark A. Spitz |
School/Association Wisconsin & USC Michigan Michigan State Illinois Ohio State Indiana Iowa Northwestern Wisconsin Northwestern Penn State Michigan Wisconsin Indiana & Michigan State Ohio State Purdue Northwestern Michigan Rose Bowl Rose Bowl Iowa Purdue Big Ten Rose Bowl Indiana |
Known For President, CBS Entertainment Football, Broadcasting Baseball, Los Angeles Dodgers Football, Running Back, Pittsburgh Steelers Football, Quarterback, Announcer Basketball, Player, Coach Hockey, Los Angeles Kings Announcer President, Green Bay Packers Football, Player, Athletic Director President, Paramount Pictures Football, Running Back, Pittsburgh Steelers Football, Coach Football, Coach, Athletic Director CEO, Disney Football, Running Back, 2x Heisman Winner Football, Quarterback, New Orlean Saints Basketball, Coach, Los Angeles Lakers Football, Club Member, Past President 1975 TV Sportscaster Tournament of Roses Executive Football, Coach Basketball, Coach Big Ten Commissioner Entertainer, Big Ten Club Emcee Swimming, 5x Olympic Gold Medalist |
Lisa Winger, Member of the year honoree 2026
Big Ten Club Past President
University of Illinois Alumna
President, Los Angeles County Illini Club
The Big Ten Club is proud to recognize University of Illinois alumna Lisa Winger as our 2026 Big Ten Club Member of the Year. A dedicated and impactful leader, Lisa served two terms as president of the Big Ten Club and currently leads the Los Angeles County Illini Club. For many years, she has also generously shared her creativity and expertise by helping shape the Club’s marketing materials, website, and newsletter. We are deeply grateful for Lisa’s commitment, leadership, and lasting contributions to our community, and are thrilled to honor her with this well-deserved recognition.
University of Illinois Alumna
President, Los Angeles County Illini Club
The Big Ten Club is proud to recognize University of Illinois alumna Lisa Winger as our 2026 Big Ten Club Member of the Year. A dedicated and impactful leader, Lisa served two terms as president of the Big Ten Club and currently leads the Los Angeles County Illini Club. For many years, she has also generously shared her creativity and expertise by helping shape the Club’s marketing materials, website, and newsletter. We are deeply grateful for Lisa’s commitment, leadership, and lasting contributions to our community, and are thrilled to honor her with this well-deserved recognition.
PREVIOUS MEMBER OF THE YEAR RECIPIENTS
Year 2026 2017 2016 2015 2013 2012 2010 2009 2008 2007 2006 2004 2002 1998 1997 1994 1993 1992 1990 1989 1988 1987 |
Member of the Year Recipients Lisa Winger Neil Lavick Joan McLane Al Freeman Jim Jacobs Derek Hildebrandt Michael Gallucci Brian Harris Bill Shaw Ken Oberg Richard Wells Charles F. Van Cleve John M. McKinley Howard M. Durbin Everett B. Laybourne John W. Perry Richard L. Beals Russell G. Shoemaker William W. Roberts Alex H. Gaal W. L. Ploetz Fred W. Soldwedel |
School/Association Illinois Minnesota Penn State Michigan State Northwestern Wisconsin Purdue Illinois Iowa Michigan Ohio State Ohio State Wisconsin Purdue Ohio State Minnesota Michigan State Indiana Michigan State Ohio State Wisconsin Northwestern |
Known For Club Member, Past President 2016, 2017 Club Member, Past President 1995 Club Member, Past President 2009 Club Member, Social Chair Club Member, Past President 2010 Club Member, Past President 2007 Club Member, Past President 1962 Club Member, Past President 2002 Club Member, Past President 1994 Club Member, Past President 1993 Club Member, Past President 1998 Club Member, Past President 1992 Club Member, Past President 1980 Club Member, Past President 1989 Club Member, Past President 1942 Club Member, Past President 1984 Club Member, Past President 1965 Club Member, Past President 1981 Club Member, Past President 1983 Club Member, Past President 1966 Club Member Club Member, Past President 1978 |
Previous Person of the year highlights
2024 honoree, desmond howard
July 13, 2024
The Tournament of Rose’s Tournament House was the perfect setting to honor the University of Michigan’s Desmond Howard, the Big Ten Club’s 2024 Person of the Year. Desmond is a former Heisman Trophy winner and Super Bowl MVP, and currently serves as a college football analyst on ESPN’s widely popular College Game Day. His accomplishments on and off the field, and his strong support of family, community and giving back made him an ideal choice.
The event boasted a record turnout of guests, who all enjoyed a fabulous reception, tours of Tournament House, and the ability to meet Desmond, and mix and mingle with one another. He was a true joy to be around, and filled the house with incredible warmth and happiness.
Guests then moved into the Rose Room for the program and presentation. Highlights included: a video of Desmond’s career, testimonials from a wide variety of Desmond’s friends, coaches, and colleagues, and live remarks from Mark Leavens, Tournament of Roses Executive Committee Member. The highlight of the afternoon, however, was Desmond’s acceptance of the award and a talk that emphasized his strong connection to the Big Ten Conference and how much he appreciated being honored by the Big Ten Club.
The Person of the Year award was first presented in 1985 and has included a wide variety of distinguished individuals from many different professions and areas of life. Though there have been many standout events, everyone agreed that this was one of our best programs yet and that Desmond was a most deserving honoree.
The Tournament of Rose’s Tournament House was the perfect setting to honor the University of Michigan’s Desmond Howard, the Big Ten Club’s 2024 Person of the Year. Desmond is a former Heisman Trophy winner and Super Bowl MVP, and currently serves as a college football analyst on ESPN’s widely popular College Game Day. His accomplishments on and off the field, and his strong support of family, community and giving back made him an ideal choice.
The event boasted a record turnout of guests, who all enjoyed a fabulous reception, tours of Tournament House, and the ability to meet Desmond, and mix and mingle with one another. He was a true joy to be around, and filled the house with incredible warmth and happiness.
Guests then moved into the Rose Room for the program and presentation. Highlights included: a video of Desmond’s career, testimonials from a wide variety of Desmond’s friends, coaches, and colleagues, and live remarks from Mark Leavens, Tournament of Roses Executive Committee Member. The highlight of the afternoon, however, was Desmond’s acceptance of the award and a talk that emphasized his strong connection to the Big Ten Conference and how much he appreciated being honored by the Big Ten Club.
The Person of the Year award was first presented in 1985 and has included a wide variety of distinguished individuals from many different professions and areas of life. Though there have been many standout events, everyone agreed that this was one of our best programs yet and that Desmond was a most deserving honoree.
Video Tributes created by friends of Desmond to honor his Big Ten Club Person of the Year Award
- Kirk Herbstreit, Ohio State, ESPN Game Day family, fellow Person of the Year Recipient
- Touchdown Billy Taylor, Michigan Football legend
- Ayanna McConnell, CEO Michigan Alumni Association
- Chris Fowler, ESPN Game Day family (live from Wimbledon)
- David Ablauf, Michigan Associate Athletic Director
- Pat McAfee, ESPN Game Day family (live from an island)
- John U. Bacon, Author
- Bruce Lee + Victor the Frisbee Dog, Michigan Football
- Greg Harden, Life Coach Guru
- Blake Corum, Michigan + LA Rams Football
- Jim Harbaugh, National Champion Michigan Football Coach
- Rece Davis, ESPN Game Day family
2020 Honoree, Steve Garvey
We had an amazing virtual event celebrating Steve Garvey's time at Michigan State and all of his accomplishments.
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