McKendree University's Daryl Hancock Chosen as Illinois Bicentennial Honor 200 Honoree
(LEBANON, Ill., November 30, 2018) — McKendree University Chief of Staff Daryl Hancock
was named to the “Bicentennial Honor 200” list, which honors the work of 200 veterans
from across the state who continue to make extraordinary contributions to the people
of Illinois.
Nominees were selected based on their achievements in uniform and on the extent to
which their contributions have aided, benefited and provided inspiration to their
community at large. The Honor 200 list was compiled as part of the Illinois Bicentennial
celebration. The selectees will be honored on Dec. 3 at the Bicentennial Birthday
Celebration at Navy Pier in Chicago.
Hancock served as a Captain in the U.S. Navy and joined the leadership team at McKendree
in 2017, following his retirement from the Navy. During his 30-year career, he served
in senior leadership roles at sea and ashore. As an intelligence officer, he supported
stabilization and combat operations in Iraq, the Balkans and Haiti; tsunami relief
operations in Indonesia; and counter-piracy operations off Somalia. In 2011, he was
stationed locally at Scott Air Force Base with U.S. Transportation Command as the
Director of Intelligence and Commander of the Joint Intelligence Operations Center.
As the first institution of higher learning in Illinois, McKendree University has
a rich history of serving veterans and active duty military. In 2018, McKendree was
again designated a “Military Friendly® School” by Victory Media, which sets standards
for higher education institutions to provide positive opportunities for veterans.
Hancock was instrumental in the establishment of a McKendree chapter of the SALUTE
National Honor Society for veterans, and several new student-focused groups, such
as the Student Veteran Association, and a National Collegiate Cyber Defense Competition
Team, which takes its team name from the 117th Regiment of McKendree faculty and students during the Civil War.
Gov. Bruce Rauner released the Bicentennial Honor 200 list, saying “America is the
greatest nation on earth because of the sacrifice of our veterans. We are proud to
honor these 200 men and women as part of our Bicentennial celebration.”
-McK-
