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2009 Alumni Awards

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Several awards and honors were presented during AU Homecoming and GWC Reunion festivities held in October 2009. Honorees included:

	Alfred J. Montalbano Jr. GWC B.S. '66 Distinguished Alumnus Award Alfred J. Montalbano Jr., a 1966 graduate of George Williams College, has demonstrated a lifetime commitment to education through a rich career in teaching and school administration. Along the way, he has been a business owner and salesperson and earned several advanced degrees and certifications. In his retirement, he has overseen a small business with his wife, Patricia. We honored Al, in large part because of his dedication to lifelong learning and successful efforts to improve education.
	Patricia L. (DeGries) Montalbano AU B.S. '71 Distinguished Alumna Award A 1971 Aurora College alumna, Patricia L. Montalbano has worked for more than 10 school systems, where she has held various teaching and administration positions. Among a long list of professional accomplishments, she has directed the development, implementation and evaluation of curriculum on many levels. Her impressive career includes a devotion to the pursuit of knowledge as she has earned several advanced degrees and certifications. We recognized Pattie for her commitment to education and professional development.
	Dr. Grace S. Jones GWC M.S. '65 Distinguished Alumna Award Throughout her distinguished career in higher education, Grace Jones, President of Three Rivers Community College in Norwich, Connecticut, has dedicated herself to the improvement of society through education. From helping to plan a new school to designing and revising curriculum, Grace learned in experiential ways. A 1965 George Williams College graduate, her positions as Assistant Superintendent, Vice President for Multicultural Affairs and College President are shining examples of leadership and vision. Grace is also an active participant in the community, including her involvement in the Rotary, Chamber of Commerce, and community theatre.
	William T. Cumler GWC B.S. '51 Distinguished Alumnus Award William Cumler grew up in Cleveland, Ohio, where his father, a 1924 George Williams College graduate, was a 40-year YMCA professional. Following in his father’s footsteps, William graduated from GWC in 1951 and has been actively involved with the YMCA his entire life. Upon graduation, he continued at GWC for graduate study in group work administration while working full time in two different branches of the YMCA of Metropolitan Chicago. He then began work at the YMCA of Central Stark County in Ohio, where he stayed for 34 years. In 1971, he was named the CEO of the six branches of the YMCA of Central Stark County until he retired in 1990. Since that time, William has continued to be involved in the Canton Y and the community.
	Sanford H. Bates GWC B.S. '79 and M.S. '86 Spirit Award Sandy Bates of Lakeland, Florida was honored for his outstanding commitment to the health and welfare of others as well as his devotion to George Williams College. Bates is currently president of My Health Coach, Inc., where he works to decrease disease risk and improve the quality of life and vitality for all his clients. He is a certified health and fitness instructor through the American College of Sports Medicine, as well as a certified health coach with Wellspring Healthcare.
	LaVerne H. (Siemsen) Duncan GWC B.S. '68 Spirit Award LaVerne H. (Siemsen) Duncan of Williams Bay was honored for her strong commitment and dedication to the institution and a life of service to others. As a manger and social service director at Golden Years Retirement Village in Walworth, Wis., Duncan embodies the George Williams College philosophy founded in the traditions of the YMCA: nurturing and caring for the welfare of others. She has worked for more than 30 years in the social work profession, providing care for the elderly.
	Senator Robert W. and Helen L. Mitchler AU '53 Spirit Award Bob Mitchler, Oswego, was first elected to the Illinois State Senate in 1964 and was re-elected in 1966, 1970, 1972 and 1976. He retired from the Senate in January 1981 and served as Legislative Liaison with the Illinois Department of Veteran Affairs through July 1991. Like her husband Helen L. "Drew" Mitchler is a native of Aurora and graduated from East Aurora High School. Mrs. Mitchler graduated from the Copley School of Nursing and served at Copley Memorial Hospital and Dreyer Medical Clinic. She hs been active in community service with social, political and medical support organizations. Her active work with the National Society Daughters of the American Revolution earned her election as National Vice President General (2005-2008).