Chambana Sun

The University of Illinois Varsity "I" Association will recognize seven individuals at the annual Orange Affair, scheduled for Friday evening at the Colonnades Club of Gies Memorial Stadium. The honorees include former track and field athlete Doug Dossey, cheerleading coach Stephanie Record, former soccer coach Janet Rayfield, and philanthropists Chris and Debbie Smith along with the late Dale and Deborah Smith.

"We are pleased to recognize an outstanding group of leaders during our annual Varsity 'I' Weekend," said Director of Athletics Josh Whitman. "The 2025 honorees – former track and field athlete Doug Dossey, cheerleading coach Stephanie Record, legendary soccer coach Janet Rayfield, and philanthropists Chris and Debbie Smith and the late Dale and Deborah Smith – have all left a lasting imprint on Fighting Illini Athletics and our student-athletes through their loyal service and meaningful contributions. We are incredibly fortunate to have their support, and we look forward to celebrating the impact they have made on the University of Illinois."

Doug Dossey will receive the Varsity "I" Achievement Award for his accomplishments after graduating from Illinois. A four-year letterwinner in men's track and field, Dossey was part of the 1994 Outdoor Men's Big Ten champion team. He is now co-founder and co-managing partner at Tensile Capital Management, leading private equity investment activities. His previous roles include managing partner at Blum Capital and managing director at FdG Associates. Dossey has served on 32 corporate boards, including 15 as chairman. He is also involved with the Dean's Legacy Council at Gies College of Business and chairs Summer Search's Investment Committee.

Stephanie Record will be presented with the Merit Award for her three decades coaching Illinois cheerleaders. She has mentored student-athletes for 31 years while also serving as executive director of Crisis Nursery for 17 years. Record holds three degrees from Illinois in psychology, social work, and educational leadership.

Five honorary members will join the Varsity "I" Association this year. Janet Rayfield retired after leading Illinois women's soccer from 2002 to 2024 as its winningest head coach with 234 overall victories and ten NCAA Tournament appearances. Under her leadership, players received multiple conference honors; several advanced to professional leagues or represented their countries internationally.

Philanthropists Henry Dale Smith Jr., Deborah Klang Smith, James Christopher Smith, and Debra Nickelson Smith are being recognized for their support of Fighting Illini Athletics. The H.D. Smith Foundation played a key role in funding facilities such as the Henry Dale and Betty Smith Football Center—a $79 million complex that opened in August 2019—providing expanded spaces for strength training, sports medicine, coaching offices, player development areas, locker rooms, meeting rooms, recruiting facilities, and more.

###