Chicago, Ill. – Former Illinois Tech Athletic Director Joseph “Joe” Hakes, who led the athletics department from 2014 until 2020, passed away Monday, January 23rd at his home in Bristow, Va., surrounded by his family. Hakes had been battling an extended illness.
Hakes was hired in August of 2014 to lead the Illinois Tech athletics department. During his tenure, Hakes oversaw the school’s transition from a National Association of Intercollegiate Athletics (NAIA) member school, to a National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA) Division III member school. Along with the transition to the NCAA, Hakes secured the school’s membership into the Northern Athletics Collegiate Conference (NACC), the conference that the Scarlet Hawks continue as a member today.
Hakes also expanded the athletics program during his tenure by adding men’s volleyball, men’s lacrosse, women’s tennis and men’s tennis, the latter of which became the first Illinois Tech program to qualify for an NCAA Division III tournament berth in 2019. He was also responsible for facilities and equipment upgrades for the athletics program under his watch, including a new gym floor for the Keating Sports Center, as well as new strength-training equipment.
Hakes reflected on his tenure at Illinois Tech in the athletics website story announcing his retirement in the spring of 2020:
"It has been a privilege to be a part of the transition of the athletics department at Illinois Institute of Technology, especially in terms of the move to the NCAA Division III" Hakes said. "The ability to compete with like-minded college athletic programs has put Illinois Tech where it should be. I have been able to work with a great and dedicated staff that has made the department what it is today. The opportunity to work with, and for, the student-athletes here has been amazing. How they combine the commitment to their athletic endeavors with the incredible academic workload is really inspirational. I will miss all of the environment. I look forward to the next steps that will be taken to further move the Scarlet Hawks to higher levels of student experience."
Several current and former Illinois Tech Athletics staff members recalled their experiences with their former leader:
Usha Gilmore, Assistant Vice President – Director of Athletics: “Joe Hakes was a visionary. He was one of the best athletic directors Illinois Tech has ever had. I will forever be grateful for his mentorship, his knowledge and wisdom, and most of all his kindness. Joe led with his heart and he will forever be missed,” said Gilmore.
Marc Colwell, Senior Associate Director of Athletics / Head Men’s Soccer Coach: “During Joe's distinguished time as Director of Athletics at Illinois Tech, I was privileged to work with him as a coach and as an assistant to him in administration. He was a great leader. Upon his arrival, he began to change the culture and identity of athletics to that of a willing and able partner with academics. He allowed his staff freedom to do their jobs. He did not micromanage. Joe was a big picture guy, helping to elevate the profile of Illinois Tech with the move to NCAA Division III and in joining a conference (NACC),” said Colwell.
Ed Zeifert, Assistant Director of Athletics / Head Baseball Coach: "I will forever be grateful to Joe Hakes for the opportunities he afforded me here at Illinois Tech. Joe was the ultimate believer in what Illinois Tech is and what it can become. He hired coaches who believed in the vision. He supported student-athletes like he was their coach. He connected with alumni in a way that produced excitement year round. Our athletic experience is what it is today because of Joe Hakes," said Zeifert.
Kirk Lamitie, Head Women’s Lacrosse Coach / Director of Facilities: "Joe was someone who always gave his best to give his coaches and students athletes an athletic and educational experience they deserve. He pushed everyone around him to grow and develop as people, mentors and always had a kind word in the toughest times. I appreciated the relationship I always had with him even when I was not working with him, he was always a phone call away with love and support. His memory will live on here at Illinois Tech," said Lamitie.
Roshane Ellison, Head Women’s Soccer Coach: "Joe was a great person, family man, and leader. I have great memories of him. I will forever be grateful for Joe and the friendship that we had. I was hired by Joe as a young coach, he was one of the first people that believed in me. Throughout his time here at IIT as an athletic director he provided great guidance and support. We had a lot of conversations about sports but I also learned a lot from him about life. Joe loved IIT and our athletic department. After his retirement, Joe continued to send congratulatory texts after games and express how proud he was of our team. Joe Hakes was a special person and he will be missed," said Ellison.
Luke Stanczyk, former Sports Information Director (2015 – 2019): “Joe was such a positive influence for me during my time at Tech. He struck a balance of progressing Scarlet Hawk Athletics forward into the Division III era, competitively, while also deeply caring for his staff and the student-athlete. Not a day went by where he didn’t ask you about your family or your own well-being. He was exactly the leader Tech needed at the time, and I’m blessed to have been a part of his staff,” said Stanczyk.
In July of 2020, at the behest of Illinois Tech alumnus, university trustee and former Scarlet Hawks basketball player John Olin, the main court in the Keating Sports Center was named “Joe Hakes Court” in honor of his accomplishments and service to the Illinois Tech athletics department.
Said Hakes of the honor at that time, showing his humility and sense of humor: "I am very honored to have the main court in the Keating Sports Center bear my name." "It is humbling to have that honor and I appreciate the generosity of Trustee John Olin and Illinois Institute of Technology for recognizing me in this way. I know that for some people, it will give them some enjoyment to trample on my name a little bit every day. I will enjoy that part of the experience."
At the same time the court was renamed in Hakes’ honor, Olin also created and funded a scholarship in Hakes' honor, the Joe Hakes Student Leadership Endowed Scholarship. The scholarship provides tuition support to one or more undergraduate students in their third year or beyond who exhibit leadership, participation, and enthusiasm. "Joe Hakes was a great athletic director who made measurable progress in taking Illinois Tech athletics to its next level of excellence," said Olin at the time of the announcement.
Hakes is survived by his wife of 47 years, Sue (Larson) Hakes of Bristow, Va., daughters, Samantha (Brian) Allen and Heidi Hakes of Salem, Mass. Two grandchildren, Tyler and Layla Allen of Bristow, Va., two brothers, Jay (Anita) Hakes of New Orleans, La. and Jim (Jean) Hakes of Appleton, Wisc., among other extended family members.
A memorial Service will be held at Gainesville United Methodist Church, 13710 Milestone Ct, Gainesville, VA, 20155 on February 19, 2023 at 2 p.m. Funeral Arrangements are entrusted to Baker-Post Funeral Home & Cremation Center – under the direction of Connor R. Post.
Memorial Gift Information:
In lieu of flowers, gifts can be made to the Joe Hakes Student Leadership Endowed Scholarship at Illinois Institute of Technology, which provides tuition support to undergraduate students who exhibit leadership, participation, and enthusiasm. Gifts may be made to the Joe Hakes Student Leadership Endowed Scholarship at Illinois Tech by mailing a check to Illinois Tech Advancement, 7565 Solution Center, Chicago, Illinois 60677-7005, and writing "Joe Hakes" on the memo line, or online at www.iit.edu/givenow, Scroll down just below Gift amount to: I want to support & select Joe Hakes Student Leadership Endowed Scholarship from the dropdown.