Meet our 2022 Distinguished Alumni Honorees

Herbert Burnett, a 1982 graduate of Urbana High School, attended Parkland College, Eastern Illinois and served 20 years in the U.S. Army in both Desert Storm and Operation Enduring Freedom. Returning to his C-U roots, Herbert runs a clothing store Suits by Soouljah, has served as associate pastor, substitute teacher, coach, referee, and founded the Leadership Development Academy. Herbert is the CEO/founder of Not on My Watch (NOMW) created to commit outreach, connection and support for the challenges of young black males through hope and accountability. He co-hosts an Urbana Public Television show “Let the Truth be Told”, and volunteers regularly at the juvenile detention center, providing guidance and connection to struggling youth. His nominator Eric Minor says, “Herbert is someone focused on doing something about the challenges facing our community’s youth. He refuses to sit back and wait for others to get involved. He always jumps in with both feet, and stays engaged until something positive occurs.”