Hundreds gather to dedicate Dr. Doug Parrett Memorial Arena at Illinois

March 12, 2024
Claire Benjamin
A view of the ceremony looking towards the stage flanked by balloons and prints of the arena’s bronze plaques, showing ground-level seats and stadium seating filled with attendees; the large orange “Dr. Doug Parrett Memorial Arena” banner overhead was unfurled during the ceremony.
The “Dr. Doug Parrett Memorial Arena” was dedicated at an emotional ceremony befitting the beef production professor and livestock judging coach. Photo credit: Holly Birch Photography

On March 8, over 300 people gathered to dedicate the “Dr. Doug Parrett Memorial Arena” in the historic Stock Pavilion, part of the College of Agricultural, Consumer and Environmental Sciences (ACES) at the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign. The celebration honored the 49-year career of beef production professor and livestock judging icon Doug Parrett. 

“Doug Parrett's legacy will live on in this arena as well as the hearts of those he taught, mentored, and inspired — the dedication of the ‘Dr. Doug Parrett Memorial Arena’ stands as a fitting tribute to the man whose impact on the industry will endure for generations to come,” said Rodney Johnson, professor and head of the Department of Animal Sciences, during the ceremony. 

Doug Parrett’s son John Parrett (right) along with his wife Crystal (left) and children stand next to a print of the bronze plaque titled Dr. Doug Parrett 1951-2022.
Doug Parrett’s son John Parrett (right) along with his wife Crystal (left) and children stand next to a print of the bronze plaque titled Dr. Doug Parrett 1951-2022. Photo credit: Holly Birch Photography

 

Following Johnson’s welcome and remarks from College of ACES dean and Robert A. Easter Chair Germán Bollero, the family of Doug Parrett — including his wife Susie Parrett, children John Parrett and Anne (Parrett) Schnepper, and grandchildren — unveiled bronze plaques and a large banner commemorating the arena’s new namesake. 

John Parrett spoke candidly about this father’s profound impact on all who knew him and his deep connection to the place now named in his honor. Longtime friends and colleagues also shared remarks: Daniel Shike, professor of animal sciences; Tom Carr, professor emeritus of animal sciences; and the Honorable Gene Schwarm, 1978 ACES graduate and judging team member. The ceremony concluded with a Mountain Dew toast — the quintessential drink for Dr. Doug Parrett. 

A video of the ceremony is available online with timestamps for each speaker. 

Thanks were given to everyone for attending the dedication ceremony, and especially to those who helped establish the Dr. Doug Parrett Memorial Scholarship Fund to support members of the ACES livestock judging team. 

Contributions to the “Dr. Doug Parrett Memorial Scholarship Fund” can be sent to the University of Illinois Foundation, P.O. Box 734500, Chicago, IL 60673-4500, or made online at giving.illinois.edu (include the fund name in the “Other” field). For questions about giving, contact the College of ACES Advancement team at acesadvancement@illinois.edu.

About the College of ACES

The College of Agricultural, Consumer and Environmental Sciences (ACES) at the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign stands at the forefront of innovation and impact through cutting-edge research, transformative education, and collaborative outreach. Home to Illinois Extension, we are catalysts for economic and community development in Illinois and beyond. Our top-ranked academic programs, designed to foster global leadership and scholarly excellence, empower the next generation of leaders to shape a more sustainable and equitable future. Together, we champion robust food systems, nurture thriving families and communities, and steward a healthy planet.