Greg Vasich Memorial Endowment Fund

Greg was a member of the Marching Illini Trombone section for 5 years, 1999 - 2003.

In 2004 a memorial fund was created to honor and remember Greg’s love and passion for the Marching Illini. The GSV Memorial fund supports the costs associated with arranging, obtaining copyright permissions, and performing one show each season. Each year U of I honors and remembers the wonderful life of Greg Vasich and invites his family to join the MI for this special show. This fund has supported the creation of 16 custom halftime shows to date. If you would like to contribute to the GSV Memorial Fund please Click below or email David Allen allend@illinois.edu. Thank you!

Greg attended the University of Illinois from 1999 to 2003 graduating with a degree in English and a minor in Cinema Studies. Greg played trombone with the Marching Illini for 5 seasons, as well as, playing trombone for the Men's and Women's Basketball Pep Bands, the Volleyball Band, Jazz and Symphonic bands.

“One of the greatest things about Greg was his love of variety.  He was an Engineer turned English major who still worked with AutoCAD, a  sports loving musician who loved adventures, a quiet leader who led  by example, a goofy, fun-loving gambler who was known to rock out to music in the back of a car while discussing everything from movies, to family to life and love, and the state of the world.  Everyone  who met Greg loved him and I think that was, at least in part, due to the fact he was interested in so many different things that he  always could find common ground with the people around him.”  

-Jenny K

Marching Illini

 

It has been said that Greg had orange and blue blood. Here is a poem written by the 2003 Trombone section. Thank you Wally.

Goodnight Greg
by the 2003 MI Trombones

On the fifty,
There is a Bando
Marching his final
And last show

Goodnight Greg, the man we've known,
Goodnight high fives, in the end zone.

Goodnight shorts in the winter snow,
Goodnight to the most uber guy we know.

Goodnight MI ritual of tossing the ball,
Goodnight friends & family, he'll be missed by all

Goodnight to your smiles, laughter, & spirit so kind,
Forever your image will live on and shine
Goodnight "no problem”, the phrase you used so much,
Goodnight Greg,
From all of those you've touched.
May God bless your soul Greg,
and watch over Jenny and your family.