Hall of Fame
Charlie Carey, 2010 - Charlie Carey graduated from Western Illinois in 1975 with a bachelor's degree in Business/Finance. He played three years of football for the Leathernecks (1971, 1973-74) at defensive tackle, two years for coach Darrell Mudra and his final season for coach Brodie Westen. The Leathernecks won at least seven games all three seasons he played, including a 14-3 mark in games played at Hanson Field. The 1973 team qualified for the NCAA Division II playoffs.
Upon graduation he worked in the business finance field and became a member of the Chicago Board of Trade in 1978. Carey's professional successes eventually led to him becoming Chairman of the Board of Trade in 2003. Carey served on the CBOT board of directors for 11 years in various roles, including vice chairman, first vice chairman and full member director. He currently serves as Vice-Chairman of the CME Group and is a partner with Henning and Carey Trading.
A regular donor to not only Leatherneck Athletics but to the entire University, Carey plays a major role in the annual All-Leatherneck Reunion and Alumni Relations events in the Chicago area. Carey also serves on the WIU President's National Advisory Council.
Thanks to Carey's generosity the Leatherneck Football program has prospered, including helping the team purchase needed practice equipment. Since graduating from Western, Carey has received a number of civic, industry and community service awards. Last year he was presented with the Western Illinois University Distinguished Alumni Award for his business and professional accomplishments. Other awards include the Rerum Novarum Award from St. Joseph College Seminary, Ellis Island Medal of Honor from the National Ethnic Coalition of Organizations Foundation, Inc. and the Gold Medallion Award from the International Visitors Center of Chicago. Carey also serves as President of the Chicagoland Sports Hall of Fame.Â
He and his wife Linda have three children, Charlie, Matt and Jack. They currently reside in Western Springs, Illinois.
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