CHAMPAIGN, IL (Chambana Today) — Parkland College has named Justin Kirby, CEO and founder of Kirby Wealth Management Group, as the recipient of its 2026 Distinguished Alumnus Award. Kirby, who earned his associate degree in business administration from Parkland in 1994, has built a career managing over $1 billion in client assets while emphasizing long-term, client-focused financial guidance.
Kirby credits his time on Parkland’s golf team for instilling discipline, teamwork, and goal-oriented performance, lessons he carries into his professional and personal life. Beyond his work, Kirby is deeply involved in community service, supporting local and national organizations including CASA, Cunningham Children’s Home, the Don Moyer Boys and Girls Club, the American Heart Association, the American Cancer Society, and the Eastern Illinois Food Bank.
He will be honored at Parkland College’s 59th Commencement ceremony on Thursday, May 14, at 7 p.m. at the Krannert Center for the Performing Arts. The ceremony will include graduates from fall 2025, spring 2026, and summer 2026 semesters, and will also be livestreamed on YouTube and Facebook Live.
For a full list of graduates and more information about the ceremony, visit parkland.edu/commencement.