NEWS RELEASE

Media Contact: Eric Jome

Phone: (309) 438-5091 100 N. University St.
Email: erjome@ilstu.edu Normal, IL 61761

February 209, 2019

Illinois State Presents Annual Award to Outstanding Young Alumni

NORMAL, Ill. – Illinois State University will award 2007 graduate Sam Alex as the annual
winner of the Outstanding Young Alumni Award for his work in radio and broadcasting.

The award is presented to ISU alumni 40 years of age or younger for their contributions
to society, their profession, or Illinois State.

“I feel like it’s my highest achievement. It’s awesome to be recognized by the work in
my field, but this means so much knowing it’s coming from where my heart is, where I really
became who I am, which was at ISU, and throughout my college experience, where you really
figure out what kind of a person you are,” said Alex.

Alex is in his fifth year of hosting “Taste of Country Nights” in Nashville. The nationally
syndicated program is heard on over 100 stations across the country, including Bloomington-
Normal’s own 107.7 The Bull. He reports at red carpet events such as the Academy of Country
Music Awards and interviews some of the most popular music artists.

Following graduation from ISU, Alex’s work experience includes being a morning show
host in Bloomington, Indiana, Washington, D.C., and also as an executive producer in
Cincinnati, before accepting his dream job at “Taste of Country Nights.”

For more information about Sam Alex and his award, please contact Eric Jome at (309)
438-5091.

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About Illinois State University

Founded in 1857 as Illinois State Normal University, it is the oldest public university in Illinois.
ISU was founded as a training school for teachers in 1857, the same year Illinois' first Board of
Education was convened and two years after the Free School Act was passed by the State
Legislature. Student retention rate is among the highest in the nation at over 80 percent. ISU
values diversity, accessibility, civic engagement, and sustainability.