Illinois Supreme Court Chief Justice Thomas Kilbride '81 was named Illinoisan of the Year by the Illinois News Broadcasters Association. Kilbride is being honored for initiating a pilot program to allow cameras in Illinois courts and increasing access to courts for citizens.

INBA immediate past president Jim Gee says Kilbride was the unanimous choice for "his overall support of openness in government." Previous recipients include former Illinois Governors Jim Edgar and James Thompson and former U.S. Attorney Patrick Fitzgerald.

Read the full press release from the Supreme Court of Illinois, "Chief Justice Thomas L. Kilbride Named 2012 Illinoisan of the Year by the Illinois News Broadcasters Association"