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Three Receive Top Alumni Awards
February 09, 2012
The University of Iowa Alumni Association recognized two College of Education alumni and one adjunct faculty member with their highest honor—the Distinguished Alumni Awards. This honor recognizes alumni of the University of Iowa who reflect the highest standard of achievement and service that was nurtured at the University of Iowa. It represents acknowledgement of the outstanding work of individuals and their contribution to their professions and society as a whole.
George Kuh
George Kuh (PhD ’75) received the 2012 Distinguished Achievement Award for the indelible mark he has made on one of America’s greatest treasures—its rich and diverse educational system. Now a professor emeritus at Indiana University Bloomington, Kuh is the intellectual architect of the National Study of Student Engagement, a widely influential research program that documents and strengthens student achievement in higher education. Millions of American college students have directly benefited from Kuh’s commitment to academic scholarship, leadership, and excellence. In the words of one nominator, “he has changed the landscape of American higher education for the better.”
Kuh is also the current director of both the National Institute for Learning Outcomes Assessment (NILOA) and the Strategic National Arts Alumni Project (SNAPP), and has authored more than 300 publications.
“We have yet to understand the full reach of his work,” another nominator said, “but I can think of no individual in American higher education who has had a comparable, sustainable impact. “
Learn more about Higher Education and Student Affairs at Iowa.
Randall Gray
Randall Gray (BS ‘72/MA ’75) received the 2012 Distinguished Service Award for the more than three decades he has been a passionate advocate for children and adults with physical, developmental, and behavioral health disabilities.
A proud parent of a son with autism, Gray brings compassion and understanding to his role as president and chief executive officer of the Marc Center, a rehabilitation agency that has become a national model for excellence, a position he has held for over 35 years. Gray has also served as chairman of the Arizona Governor's Council on Developmental Disabilities, testified before Congress on disability-related issues, and led several national planning bodies and advocacy groups. His commitment to the rehabilitation of and advancement of quality services for people with disabilities has brought honor and recognition to the UI.
Nominator Dr. Brian Boon, president and CEO of the Commission on Accreditation of Rehabilitation Facilities International wrote, “Sir Wilfred Grenfell was quoted as saying, ‘Real joy comes not from ease or riches or the praise of men, but from doing something worthwhile.’ He must have known Randy.”
Learn more about Rehabilitation Counseling at Iowa.
Richard Ferguson
Richard Ferguson received the 2012 Distinguished Friend of the University Award for the dedicated alliance he forged between the university of Iowa and ACT, Inc. As former chief executive officer and chairman of ACT, Ferguson proved an unwavering partner in helping the UI fulfill its educational mission.
Under Ferguson’s direction, ACT became an internationally recognized authority on educational testing and measurement. Building on the company’s long-standing relationship with the university, Ferguson helped establish the ACT Scholars Program, which donated $5 million to support underrepresented UI graduate students in diverse disciplines.
A long-time adjunct professor in the College of Education ‘s Educational Measurement and Statistics program, Ferguson also provided invaluable guidance for UI students and community by serving on several university advisory boards and committees.
Learn more about Educational Measurement and Statistics at Iowa.
UIAA Awards
Each year since 1963, the University of Iowa Alumni Association has presented accomplished alumni and friends with the association’s highest honor—the Distinguished Alumni Award. To best recognize individuals selected for service or achievement, awards are presented in six categories: Achievement, Service, Hickerson Recognition, Faculty/Staff, Young Alumni and Friend of the University.
Learn more about the Distinguished Alumni Awards at Iowa.