Office of Development and Alumni Relations

Triumph Transforms Tragedy

Kenneth (PE '74) and Colleen Braid (PE ’74) were recognized during graduation weekend with the University of Illinois Alumni Humanitarian Award. Established in 2001, this award recognizes alumni who have improved or enriched the lives of others and the welfare of humanity. The Braids lost their son in 1994 and attribute his death on mood swings induced by steroid use. They’ve used the tragedy to establish the J. Kyle Braid Leadership Foundation in Villa Grove, Colorado. The organization offers summer leadership training to upcoming high school juniors and teaches student-athletes how to be leaders, role models, and friends to teens in trouble. More than 1300 students have participated in the program since its inception. The Braids have also conducted seminars for coaches to help them understand their student athletes and the challenges they face.