The Distinguished Alumni Awards
This award recognizes graduates whose achievements, strength of character, and citizenship serve as
role models to inspire and challenge today’s youth.
Donna Tanner-Harold
Central High School
Class of 1972
Donna Tanner-Harold
Donna Tanner-Harold – Central HS Class of 1972 – Faculty Counselor, Community Leader and Social Justice Advocate
Donna Tanner-Harold is an accomplished leader, counselor, and public servant known for her dedication to empowering and guiding young people, especially in the Champaign-Urbana community. With a background in child welfare, she founded the first Treatment Foster Care program in Champaign County and has trained foster parents across Illinois. She has developed innovative programs such as a parenting and life skills course for incarcerated women, the Black Student SUCCESS Project at Parkland College, and the Black Mental Health and Wellness Conference. As a Faculty Counselor at Parkland, Donna supported students of all backgrounds, fostering academic and personal success. Her leadership extended to initiatives promoting race relations, namely co-founding “Race Talks,” a program promoting discussions for students from all racial backgrounds to discuss race in a constructive and respectful environment. Her ongoing work includes board memberships and volunteer roles in local organizations where her voice serves as a valuable asset to our community. Donna’s impactful contributions across mental health, education, and community development exemplify her commitment to this community, addressing societal issues and empowering individuals to reach their potential. Donna Tanner-Harold states, “I’ve tried to live a life of service based on my favorite Bible verse – Matthew 5:16 which says, ‘let your light so shine that others see your good works and glorify your Father who is in Heaven.’ Jesus Christ came to serve not to be served. I want to exemplify his teaching.”
Donna Tanner-Harold is an accomplished leader, counselor, and public servant known for her dedication to empowering and guiding young people, especially in the Champaign-Urbana community. With a background in child welfare, she founded the first Treatment Foster Care program in Champaign County and has trained foster parents across Illinois. She has developed innovative programs such as a parenting and life skills course for incarcerated women, the Black Student SUCCESS Project at Parkland College, and the Black Mental Health and Wellness Conference. As a Faculty Counselor at Parkland, Donna supported students of all backgrounds, fostering academic and personal success. Her leadership extended to initiatives promoting race relations, namely co-founding “Race Talks,” a program promoting discussions for students from all racial backgrounds to discuss race in a constructive and respectful environment. Her ongoing work includes board memberships and volunteer roles in local organizations where her voice serves as a valuable asset to our community. Donna’s impactful contributions across mental health, education, and community development exemplify her commitment to this community, addressing societal issues and empowering individuals to reach their potential. Donna Tanner-Harold states, “I’ve tried to live a life of service based on my favorite Bible verse – Matthew 5:16 which says, ‘let your light so shine that others see your good works and glorify your Father who is in Heaven.’ Jesus Christ came to serve not to be served. I want to exemplify his teaching.”
Barbara Suggs Mason
Dr. Jennifer Lansford
Centennial High School
Class of 1991
Dr. Jennifer Lansford
Dr. Jennifer Lansford – Centennial HS Class of 1991 – Research Professor, Published Scientist and Editor-in-Chief
Dr. Jennifer Lansford, PhD graduated as one of the valedictorians from Centennial High School in 1991 with numerous honors and a 5.0-point average while participating in band, track, cross country, Interact, and numerous other academic and service clubs. Jennifer served as a Research Scientist at the Center for Child and Family Policy at Duke University from 2000-2008, then went on to become an Associate Research Professor in 2008. She was made a full Research Professor at the center in 2011 and continues in that position to this date. Since 2008, she has led an international team of researchers at universities in nine countries (China, Colombia, Italy, Jordan, Kenya, the Philippines, Sweden, Thailand, and the United States) studying child development and parenting in different cultural contexts. She has had 261 peer reviewed publications in professional journals, thus far, authored or edited 16 professional books, and writes a monthly blog for the magazine Psychology Today on Parenting and Culture. Jennifer was awarded Fellow of the Association for Psychological Science in 2019. In 2023, she was appointed as the Editor-in-Chief of the International Journal of Behavioral Development (IJBD). Denis Gerstorf, co-chair of the Publications Committee stated, “‘Dr. Lansford stood out as an exceptional candidate due to her highly visible and productive record of scholarship, wealth of editorial experience, history of commitment and service to IJBD, and future vision for the journal.” Dr. Jennifer Lansford demonstrates a global impact that will inspire and benefit generations to come.
Dr. Jennifer Lansford, PhD graduated as one of the valedictorians from Centennial High School in 1991 with numerous honors and a 5.0-point average while participating in band, track, cross country, Interact, and numerous other academic and service clubs. Jennifer served as a Research Scientist at the Center for Child and Family Policy at Duke University from 2000-2008, then went on to become an Associate Research Professor in 2008. She was made a full Research Professor at the center in 2011 and continues in that position to this date. Since 2008, she has led an international team of researchers at universities in nine countries (China, Colombia, Italy, Jordan, Kenya, the Philippines, Sweden, Thailand, and the United States) studying child development and parenting in different cultural contexts. She has had 261 peer reviewed publications in professional journals, thus far, authored or edited 16 professional books, and writes a monthly blog for the magazine Psychology Today on Parenting and Culture. Jennifer was awarded Fellow of the Association for Psychological Science in 2019. In 2023, she was appointed as the Editor-in-Chief of the International Journal of Behavioral Development (IJBD). Denis Gerstorf, co-chair of the Publications Committee stated, “‘Dr. Lansford stood out as an exceptional candidate due to her highly visible and productive record of scholarship, wealth of editorial experience, history of commitment and service to IJBD, and future vision for the journal.” Dr. Jennifer Lansford demonstrates a global impact that will inspire and benefit generations to come.
Stacy Walton Long
Dr. Susan Nagele
Urbana High School
Class of 1973
Dr. Susan Nagele
Dr. Susan Nagele – Urbana HS Class of 1973 — Medical Missionary and Humanitarian
Dr. Susan Nagele grew up in Urbana where she has fond memories of diverse classrooms, advanced courses, playing clarinet, swimming and tennis. For most of her adult life, she has served as a dedicated medical missionary in Africa, providing vital healthcare to underserved communities. After joining Maryknoll Lay Missioners in 1984, Susan served in Tanzania, South Sudan, Kenya, and Mombasa, where she led efforts in tuberculosis treatment, primary healthcare, and hospital development, impacting thousands of lives. Notable accomplishments include renovating a health center in Tanzania while eradicating measles completely in six years, aiding refugees in South Sudan, and expanding Kiminini Cottage Hospital in Kenya. In 2012, Susan received the Medal of Valor from the American Medical Association for her courage in extraordinary circumstances. After decades of service, Susan has returned to Urbana to care for her elderly mother and work with Maryknoll Lay Missioners in mission education and advancement. Her selfless work has left a profound impact on the communities she served, exemplifying her unwavering faith and dedication to others. “The way we treat those most in need reveals who we are,” Dr. Nagele said. “If we realize that loving each other is the most important thing, we would do what’s right.” Her nominator, David Thies, states, “I cannot think of another person who has done more to make the lives of those with whom she has worked better. She has made her Urbana classmates proud.”
Dr. Susan Nagele grew up in Urbana where she has fond memories of diverse classrooms, advanced courses, playing clarinet, swimming and tennis. For most of her adult life, she has served as a dedicated medical missionary in Africa, providing vital healthcare to underserved communities. After joining Maryknoll Lay Missioners in 1984, Susan served in Tanzania, South Sudan, Kenya, and Mombasa, where she led efforts in tuberculosis treatment, primary healthcare, and hospital development, impacting thousands of lives. Notable accomplishments include renovating a health center in Tanzania while eradicating measles completely in six years, aiding refugees in South Sudan, and expanding Kiminini Cottage Hospital in Kenya. In 2012, Susan received the Medal of Valor from the American Medical Association for her courage in extraordinary circumstances. After decades of service, Susan has returned to Urbana to care for her elderly mother and work with Maryknoll Lay Missioners in mission education and advancement. Her selfless work has left a profound impact on the communities she served, exemplifying her unwavering faith and dedication to others. “The way we treat those most in need reveals who we are,” Dr. Nagele said. “If we realize that loving each other is the most important thing, we would do what’s right.” Her nominator, David Thies, states, “I cannot think of another person who has done more to make the lives of those with whom she has worked better. She has made her Urbana classmates proud.”
Dr. Will Patterson
Local Business Community Impact
Shawluxe Premier Renovations
Brett Shaw
Brett Shaw
Local Business Community Impact Honoree: Shawluxe Premier Renovations – Brett Shaw
Brett Shaw, President of Shawluxe Premier Renovations and Centennial Alumnus exemplifies resilience, generosity, and service to others. Brett credits teacher Connie Brillhart with helping him through a dark time after losing his mother in high school. Her compassion and encouragement inspired him to persevere and helped to shape his commitment to uplifting others. Today, Brett lives out this commitment daily—whether transforming clients’ spaces through his business, providing opportunities for his employees to create great lives for themselves and their families, or speaking to local students about overcoming setbacks and following one’s heart. According to nominator Cathy McArthur, Brett’s impact extends to community projects like the complete renovation of the Champaign Central girls’ basketball locker room. Recognizing the inequity between the boys and girls locker rooms at Central High School, he and his team at Shawluxe went beyond a simple paint job, providing a full makeover at no cost to the boosters, athletic program or Unit 4. His dedication to giving back also stems from lifelong lessons learned through church mission trips, working on summer construction jobs, firefighter training and the ongoing support and encouragement from local leaders like Orlando Thomas, Amy Armstrong, and Marc Chagnon. Brett’s proudest moments come from serving others, whether providing opportunities to employees, investing in students, or improving the lives of those around him.
Brett Shaw, President of Shawluxe Premier Renovations and Centennial Alumnus exemplifies resilience, generosity, and service to others. Brett credits teacher Connie Brillhart with helping him through a dark time after losing his mother in high school. Her compassion and encouragement inspired him to persevere and helped to shape his commitment to uplifting others. Today, Brett lives out this commitment daily—whether transforming clients’ spaces through his business, providing opportunities for his employees to create great lives for themselves and their families, or speaking to local students about overcoming setbacks and following one’s heart. According to nominator Cathy McArthur, Brett’s impact extends to community projects like the complete renovation of the Champaign Central girls’ basketball locker room. Recognizing the inequity between the boys and girls locker rooms at Central High School, he and his team at Shawluxe went beyond a simple paint job, providing a full makeover at no cost to the boosters, athletic program or Unit 4. His dedication to giving back also stems from lifelong lessons learned through church mission trips, working on summer construction jobs, firefighter training and the ongoing support and encouragement from local leaders like Orlando Thomas, Amy Armstrong, and Marc Chagnon. Brett’s proudest moments come from serving others, whether providing opportunities to employees, investing in students, or improving the lives of those around him.
Jonathon Breen
The Local Business Community Impact Award
These recipients have demonstrated an impact on the community through their commitment to philanthropy, service, and volunteerism, or employing local high school graduates.
The Local Hero Award
This award recognizes graduates who have demonstrated their commitment to benefiting the Champaign-Urbana community through their volunteer time and efforts.
Local Hero
Robert Lewis
Robert Lewis
Local Hero Award Honoree: Robert Lewis – Public Servant and Advocate for the Arts
Robert Lewis possesses an unwavering dedication to enriching our community. A lifelong advocate for youth and arts education, Robert’s remarkable contributions have left a profound and lasting impact on generations of students and families in Champaign/Urbana. Robert’s legacy is multifaceted. As a co-founder of the Mo’Betta Music Program and later the Banks Bridgewater and Lewis Fine Arts Academy (BBL), he has mentored countless young musicians, inspiring confidence, discipline, and artistry. The BBL impact began in 2005 reaching students at King Elementary School & Urbana Middle School as well as students throughout Champaign Unit 4 providing them with access to high-quality music education, instilling in them not only technical skills but also a love of jazz and the arts. Mr.Lewis’s student, Christopher Walker (UHS ’21), credits Robert with transforming his journey as a jazz drummer, noting his patience, encouragement, and lifelong impact started at age 12 and continues to this day. In addition to his work with music, Robert’s career as an engineer is distinguished by two U.S. patents – one which went international – a testament to his innovative spirit. His dedicated service as an Urbana City Council member further reflects his commitment to community leadership, where he represented and advocated for underrepresented voices. As a lifelong percussionist, mentor, and community leader, he weaves life lessons, social justice, and the arts together creating opportunities for students to thrive. At over 70 years old, Robert’s passion for service remains undiminished. From mentoring students to advocating for Urbana residents, his commitment to speaking up and making a difference exemplifies the spirit of a true local hero.
Robert Lewis possesses an unwavering dedication to enriching our community. A lifelong advocate for youth and arts education, Robert’s remarkable contributions have left a profound and lasting impact on generations of students and families in Champaign/Urbana. Robert’s legacy is multifaceted. As a co-founder of the Mo’Betta Music Program and later the Banks Bridgewater and Lewis Fine Arts Academy (BBL), he has mentored countless young musicians, inspiring confidence, discipline, and artistry. The BBL impact began in 2005 reaching students at King Elementary School & Urbana Middle School as well as students throughout Champaign Unit 4 providing them with access to high-quality music education, instilling in them not only technical skills but also a love of jazz and the arts. Mr.Lewis’s student, Christopher Walker (UHS ’21), credits Robert with transforming his journey as a jazz drummer, noting his patience, encouragement, and lifelong impact started at age 12 and continues to this day. In addition to his work with music, Robert’s career as an engineer is distinguished by two U.S. patents – one which went international – a testament to his innovative spirit. His dedicated service as an Urbana City Council member further reflects his commitment to community leadership, where he represented and advocated for underrepresented voices. As a lifelong percussionist, mentor, and community leader, he weaves life lessons, social justice, and the arts together creating opportunities for students to thrive. At over 70 years old, Robert’s passion for service remains undiminished. From mentoring students to advocating for Urbana residents, his commitment to speaking up and making a difference exemplifies the spirit of a true local hero.
Shandra Summerville
Thank you to Tori Beach for our 2022 Distinguished Alumni videos.
Join us for the Distinguished Alumni Reception
Friday, April 14th at the I Hotel (Heritage Room)
Reservations are only available in advance:
2024 Distinguished Alumni Reception Photo Gallery
