Cheryl M. Gilliam - Track 1978 - 1981 Interim Board Secretary
Bio
Bio
Cheryl is the daughter of Wardell and Modestine Gilliam. She graduated from Cass
Technical H.S in Detroit Michigan, continuing her education at Michigan State
University receiving a B.S degree from the College of Agriculture - School of
Packaging.
Gilliam's father was inducted in the Eastern Michigan University Athletics Hall of
Fame in 1984 and was a great influence on her love for track growing up. Her
Michigan State University track highlights include: inducted into the MSU Athletics
Hall of Fame, class of 2003; 13 Time Big Ten Champion; first 4 time consecutive
200m Big Ten Champion; finalist in the 1980 200m U.S. Olympic Trials;
All-American, a holder of the World, American and Collegiate records for the sprint
medley relay in 1980 (along with Molly Brennan, also a Board Member); and
competed in Europe in 1980 as a member of the Muhammad Ali Track Club. In
2005, Giliam received the MSU Scholar Athlete Alumni Award.
Gilliam has more than 24 years professional experience in medical and food
industries having worked for companies such as Johnson & Johnson, Heinz USA,
Sara Lee Bakery, Kraft Foods and recently returned back to her birth state to work for
"Tony the Tiger" at the Kellogg Company. She has seven patents granted by the
United States Patent Office. Gilliam resides in Portage, Michigan with her daughter,
Taylor Sampson. Taylor attends Portage Central Middle School and is an honor
student and avid basketball player and trackster.
Gilliam currently serves as the MSU Finish Line Club interim Board Secretary. She is
also a member of the MSU Packaging Alumni Association Board of Directors and
member of the MSU Varsity 'S' Club Board of Directors. She is the past Board
President of the YWCA of Lake County Illinois.
