 The
prestigious fellowship was endowed by insurance executive Hendon
Chubb (Yale '95) to encourage student interest in public affairs.
Each year four or five public dignitaries make a speech for the
fellowship and answer a lot of questions. Past Chubb Fellows include
Harry Truman, Ronald Reagan, Maya Angelou, Adlai Stevenson and Barry
Goldwater.Lincoln College Athletic Director Dave Klemm said he
was surprised to hear the news. "Matt called and told me about the
experience. I think he's accomplished many things in his wrestling
and professional careers and is being recognized for his common
approach to keeping life simple," said Klemm.
Hughes' college career started at Belleville Area Community
College, where he placed fifth in the nation. After Belleville
dropped its wrestling program, Matt and his twin brother, Mark,
transferred to Lincoln College, where he placed third in the nation,
finishing with a 33-3 record for the Lynx.
After earning a degree from Lincoln College, Matt continued his
career at Eastern Illinois University, where he was a two-time NCAA
Division I All-American, placing eighth in 1996 and fifth in 1997 at
158 pounds. He was also inducted into the EIU Hall of Fame in
September 2007.
Hughes' love for competition took him to the sport of mixed
martial arts fighting. In 2001, he won the world welterweight title
in the Ultimate Fighting Championships and has been featured often
on national television for his UFC exploits. He successfully
defended his title nine times, which is more than any other fighter
in the sport.
[Text from file received from
Lincoln College] |
