Marcia Duin Mentkowski M-D '61
The Lucia R. Briggs Distinguished Achievement Award
As professor, senior scholar and director emerita of the Educational Research and Evaluation Department at Alverno College, Marcia Duin Mentkowski M-D ’61 has, for more than 30 years, shepherded groundbreaking research in the area of improving undergraduate learning and has been at the forefront of improving national policy in higher education. Learning that Lasts, just one of her many publications, was the culmination of more than two decades of research on student learning at Alverno and put forth suggestions for faculty/staff collaboration to forge effective curricula, design innovative programs, implement key institutional goals and renegotiate the college culture.
Her expertise in this field is unmatched, and is attested through her affiliation with the American Educational Research Association, the Association for Moral Education and the American Evaluation Association, amongst others. In addition, Marcia is a Fellow of the American Psychological Association, a consulting editor for Assessment Update, and on the editorial board of Active Learning in Higher Education and Learning in Health Social Care. Many prestigious educational institutions have sought out her expertise, including the University of Oxford, where as a visiting fellow, she collaborated with Oxford faculty on learning and assessment.
Marcia has received many awards, including the prestigious Kuhmerker Award, given by the Association of Moral Education in recognition of her research on moral development. She earned recognition from the American Association for Higher Education for sustained contributions to the practice of assessment. Countless students, faculty members and institutions of higher learning have benefitted from her expertise and dedication to enabling learners to reach their full potential.
David Gray '66
The Lucia R. Briggs Distinguished Achievement Award
With courage and perseverance, David Gray ’66 has risen above adversity to enjoy a distinguished career as a researcher, advocate and spokesperson for people with disabilities. As associate professor in the Department of Occupational Therapy at Washington University School of Medicine, David’s innovative community-based research has helped measure the degree to which people with disabilities participate in their environment. He has used this research as a stepping stone to help change attitudes and to provide community engagement initiatives and programs geared toward people with disabilities—knocking down barriers and enabling these individuals to enjoy more rewarding and enriching lives. Among his accomplishments while working at the National Institute of Disability and Rehabilitation Research and at the National Institutes of Health were to integrate people with disabilities into research and training programs there. In addition, he helped rewrite federal policy which made it easier for people with disabilities to return to work. He has also assisted in the development of a national research program in the area of learning disabilities. The Surgeon General’s Call to Action for improving access to health care for people with disabilities features his valuable input. As a board member of Paraquad, he has brought better preventive care for people with disabilities in the areas of health care, housing, transportation and employment. David is recognized internationally for his expertise in the field of public health and has received numerous honors and awards in recognition of his contributions.
Alice Peacock '92
The Lucia R. Briggs Distinguished Achievement Award
After graduating from Lawrence, Alice Peacock ’92 followed her dreams of becoming a singer-songwriter, teaching herself to play guitar and settling in Chicago where she quickly found your niche in the folk music scene. Recognition for her talent came swiftly, when her first independently produced CD, Real Day, was ranked as one of the “Ten Best Emerging Artist CDs of 1999” at Amazon.com.
She has performed with John Mellencamp, Aimee Mann, Toad the Wet Sprocket and Heart; collaborated with John Mayer; and appeared on A Prairie Home Companion. Alice’s down-to-earth personality resonates in her songs and many of them have appeared on TV shows including Men in Trees, Dawson’s Creek and Smallville, just to name a few.
In 2003, Alice was one of Crain’s Chicago Business “40 under 40” honorees, the annual recognition of Chicago’s rising stars. That same year, she merged your musical talents with her passion for literacy to start Rock for Reading—using concerts and benefits to inspire literacy and to raise funds for reading programs. In 2007 Rock for Reading joined forces with two other organizations to launch Creating a Nation of Readers, an organization that collects book donations from publishers and distributes them to literacy organizations. To date nearly one million books have been donated to Chicago-area organizations. Alice has graciously served the music industry as former trustee of the National Academy of Recording Artists and Sciences (the Grammys) and as past president of its Midwest chapter. She is a gifted performer, generous philanthropist and compassionate advocate.
Hugh Denison '68
The Gertrude B. Jupp M-D’18 Outstanding Service Award
Lawrence is honored to count Hugh Denison ’68 among the ranks of its most devoted supporters. His volunteer efforts have been extraordinary and have touched all facets of the college. As co-chair of the Legacy Circle National Council Hugh promoted Lawrence’s planned giving program to audiences near and far, and in doing so helped secure a strong financial future for the college.
As the building blocks for the More Light! Campaign were being assembled, Hugh had the distinction of hosting the campaign’s inaugural focus group. He shared the campaign vision with Milwaukee-area alumni, generating excitement and garnering valuable financial and volunteer support. No stranger to Milwaukee-area alumni, Hugh worked tirelessly to strengthen the Milwaukee alumni network by attending lunches and reaching out to reconnect alumni to Lawrence.
Hugh served with honor on the Lawrence University Board of Trustees’ development committee and capital campaign committee, traveling thousands of miles to cultivate strong relationships with alumni and to encourage donors to reach their full philanthropic potential. As an admissions volunteer, Hugh eagerly shared the Lawrence experience with potential students and their families. For his class reunions, he assisted as a steering committee member and gift committee member. The Lawrence Scholars in Business program benefited immensely when Hugh returned to campus to share your investment expertise with eager Lawrence students. The insider’s look he provided created a rewarding experience for all who attended. He is a remarkable volunteer, a distinguished leader, and a trusted and loyal friend to Lawrence.
Marian "Kirk" Kirkpatrick Torian M-D '44
The Gertrude B. Jupp M-D’18 Outstanding Service Award
More than 70 years has passed since Marian “Kirk” Kirkpatrick Torian M-D ’44 matriculated at Milwaukee-Downer College. While much has changed in the world during those seven decades, there is one thing that has not—her unwavering dedication to your alma mater. Few alumnae have enjoyed such a fruitful and longstanding relationship with the college. Over the years Marian has set the bar high as she willingly stepped forward to share her time and talents in many meaningful ways.
For more than 30 years she served as a Class Agent, using her keen sense of humor—and a vast collection of cartoons from The New Yorker—to help keep her classmates connected. As director of the Lawrence University Alumni Association, her astute leadership helped create programs and other initiatives that expanded the circle of alumni who were willing to serve the college in important ways. When her class celebrated its 50th reunion, she graciously volunteered to serve on its gift committee. Ten years later, for her 60th reunion, she stepped up once again as a volunteer for the steering committee. Marian’s valuable input ensured that classmates returning for reunion were treated to a joyous and memorable event. As a member of The Legacy Circle National Council Marian has spoken often about her passion for Milwaukee-Downer and for Lawrence, instilling in all alumni the importance of giving back to ensure that the next generation of students will have the same enriching opportunities as she did. Never has there been a better goodwill ambassador!
George M. Chandler '51
The Gertrude B. Jupp M-D’18 Outstanding Service Award
There are few alumni who have had a meaningful relationship with their alma mater for more than 60 years. We’re proud to count George M. Chandler ’51 among them. He has graciously served the Class of 1951 in a number of important roles, including being a member of its 50th and 60th reunion steering committees. In addition, he has kept classmates from near and far connected through his creative and good work as a class agent.
For Lawrence’s $150 million More Light! Campaign George volunteered as a member of its alumni advisory committee. This committee was charged with the important task of planning for the public phase of the campaign. His thoughtful participation added valuable guidance to this essential endeavor. In addition, as part of the More Light! celebration, George generously presented Lawrence with loans and gifts of precious artwork from his personal collection for inclusion in the Lawrence Collects art exhibition. This helped provide visitors to the Wriston Art Center Galleries with a rare—and memorable—artistic treat.
On many occasions George and his late wife, Marjorie Olson Chandler ’44, fondly recalled the life-changing impact that a Lawrence education had on each of them. This appreciation, coupled with their lifelong love of music, inspired you to establish the George and Marjorie Olsen Chandler Professorship in Music at Lawrence. With this wonderful gesture—and the many other ways in which he has eagerly served the college through the years—George has created an endearing legacy at Lawrence.
Robert VanDale '57
The George B. Walter '36 Service to Society Award
Only a few short years after graduating from Lawrence, Robert VanDale ’57 found a calling to which he has dedicated his life—bringing together people of different religious faiths by facilitating education, tolerance and teamwork. A missionary trip to Ethiopia in 1962 laid the foundation for a rewarding career that has taken he and his family around the globe. During the fifty years that followed, Robert also travelled extensively to Kenya, Egypt, Northern Ireland, Israel and Mexico in pursuit of ecumenical cooperation.
At Westminster College Robert was an inspiring educator and instrumental in developing its Peace Studies Program, which helps provide students with tools for resolving and preventing conflict at all levels. As director of the Peace Center at Westminster he fostered understanding and a vision of peace among Christians, Muslims and Jews. In the aftermath of 9/11 he fervently pursued interfaith conversations in hopes of bridging the divide between Muslims and Christians. Throughout his career Robert has been chosen to lead international teams in the interfaith cooperative movement and have been asked to serve on several national and international boards. His inclusion in Who’s Who in Religion in America and Who’s Who Among America’s Teachers, and his nomination for inclusion in an international directory of religious leaders of the 20th century clearly validate the impact of his endeavors. He is a devoted peacemaker whose efforts have earned the admiration of people near and far. Many lives have been changed–and saved–because of his tireless pursuit of peace.
Richard Boya '52
Presidential Award
As one of the best liberal arts schools in the country, Lawrence University is thankful to many for helping it achieve this important level of distinction. When it comes to recognizing those whose visions and actions are responsible for the ongoing success of the current–and future–college, our eyes gratefully turn to Richard Boya ’52. Under his astute guidance, Lawrence University established the Office of Development, bringing innovation and coordination to the important task of acquiring the gifts to ensure that all Lawrentians are able to fulfill their college dreams. He has the distinction of being Lawrence’s first Vice President for Development and External Affairs.
During his tenure a number of far-reaching initiatives were created, including the establishment of The Legacy Circle. Thanks to appreciative alumni, the college has received more than 73 million dollars from estate gifts in the past 30 years alone. In addition, countless alumni annually give back to the college through the college’s annual giving program, including the many proud members of The Lawrence-Downer Legacy Circle. Richard has also served the college faithfully as a class agent, admissions volunteer and reunion committee member.
When asked to return to campus to share his experiences with others, Richard has eagerly done so. His emotional stories on the rewards of giving back to Lawrence have inspired us all. His legacy is one of generosity, thoughtfulness and a genuine love for the great traditions of his alma mater. Richard pioneered philanthropic giving, and because of his foresight, Lawrence University will continue to thrive.
