Mayor Richard C. Irvin was honored by Northern Illinois University College of Law as the 2017 Alumnus of the Year.

In a special ceremony held this week, Irvin was presented the prestigious award before an audience of fellow NIU College of Law alumni, his former professors and supporters from Aurora.

"Mayor Irvin lives a life of public service, and his accomplishments date back to his years as a law student here at the NIU College of Law," said Attorney Melinda Rosales-Byerly, chairman of the NIU College of Law Alumni Council. "Richard exemplifies the very best of leadership and sheer determination. NIU is very proud of him."

A class of 1998 graduate of the NIU College of Law, Irvin worked as a Cook County Assistant State's Attorney and a prosecutor for Kane County State's Attorney's Office prior to opening the Law Offices of Richard C. Irvin in downtown Aurora.

"As a young law student, I saw the photos on the wall of distinguished alumni who were honored with this award. I never once thought I might be among them," said Irvin. "I am very humbled by this honor. I appreciate the opportunity to have attended NIU College of Law, a place that inspired me to serve and give back to my community."

Irvin served as an alderman-at-large for the City of Aurora from 2007-2017. He was elected as the 59th mayor of the City of Aurora on April 4, 2017.

"I always knew he was going to do amazing things in life," said NIU Law Professor Emeritus Lorraine Schmall.

 A class of 1988 graduate of East Aurora High School, Mayor Irvin received the East Aurora High School Distinguished Alumni Award in 2009.