The College of Education’s annual Distinguished Alumni & Young Alumni Achievement Awards event honors both seasoned alumni and young graduates who are leading the way in the education field.

This year’s event was held March 8 in the Quad Room of the I Hotel and Conference Center in Champaign. A reception, dinner, and awards program were all part of the evening’s festivities. Dean James D. Anderson and alumnus Jay Stortzum were on hand to honor the awardees.

“The College of Education Distinguished Alumni event highlights our alumni that are at the top of their field,” said Assistant Dean for Advancement Lisa Denson. “It is an opportunity for us to recognize and celebrate those making a difference in education.”

The Distinguished Alumni Award is presented to graduates who have enhanced the field of education in meaningful ways and have often had an exceedingly positive impact on the lives of their students. These graduates’ accomplishments reflect admirably on and bring honor to the College of Education and their Alma Mater.

The Young Alumni Achievement Award recognizes young alumni under 40 years of age. These rising professionals have made outstanding contributions in their fields since graduating from the College. Their commitment to education, in all its many forms, is admirable and inspirational.

2019 Distinguished Alumni Award Recipients

• Patricia Clark, Ph.D. '93 Curriculum & Instruction
• Jennifer Lewis Dillavou, ’B.A. '82 Curriculum & Instruction
• Margaret Kobia, Ph.D. '03 Education Policy, Organization and Leadership
• Ann Larson, Ph.D. '98 Curriculum & Instruction
• Elegwa Mukula, Ph.D. '04 Education Policy, Organization and Leadership
• Travis Wilson, B.A. '97 Secondary Education, M.S. '08 Educational Psychology, Ph.D. '11 Educational Psychology

2019 Young Alumni Achievement Award Recipients

• Joel R. Malin, Ph.D. '15 Education Policy, Organization and Leadership
• Rebecca Woodard, Ph.D. '13 Curriculum & Instruction

While on campus, the DAA recipients had the opportunity to participate in and observe the College of Education’s Graduate Student Conference, receive a tour of the O’Leary Learning Center, visit the IDEALL lab, and learn about International Programs and Study Abroad opportunities in the College.

“It was such an honor to have our incredible alumni back on campus,” said Director of Constituent Engagement Heather Zorn. “It is awe-inspiring to know College of Education graduates are doing tremendous work in the field of education.”

Nominations for the 2020 Distinguished Alumni and Young Alumni Achievement Awards will open in early April 2019.

Read more about our 2019 Distinguished Alumni and Young Alumni Achievement award winners.