This year’s Dads Weekend marks the 101st Anniversary of the Dads Association, the oldest college parent organization in the United States. This weekend, we celebrate the Dads Association’s many contributions to the University, along with the University of Illinois tradition to honor a special father or father figure as KING DAD 2023.

The crowning of King Dad at halftime of the football game is a tradition that goes back to 1948. All university students are invited to nominate their father or father figure by submitting a King Dad essay that is reviewed by the Board of Directors for the Dads Association. As in past years, many students submitted excellent essays. Each student communicated why their Dad is special.

And now, it’s time to present King Dad 2023.

Let's all congratulate Tom Mulchrone, who was nominated by his daughter Donna Mulchrone, from Palos Heights, Illinois. This special Illini Dad will reign over this year's Dads Weekend festivities.

Tom Mulchrone was formally crowned King Dad during a ceremony at halftime of the November 11th football game.

Congratulations, King Tom Mulchrone!