Homecoming 1999 Alumni Awards

Outstanding Alumnus Award:

Dr. Irving DeVoe (AU) B.S. '64
Dr. Irving DeVoe's career accomplishments fill an 11-page vitae. He received a bachelor of science degree at AU, then his Ph.D. in microbiology and immunology from the University of Oregon Medical School. His most recent research and engineering experience covers high affinity, selective metal capture media separations, including engineering design and construction of special equipment for treatment of mining waste, acid mine drainage, and radionuclide waste, among others. He holds 15 patents and is listed in Who's Who in America, Who's Who in Canada, and American Men and Women in Science.

Charles E. Coughlin (GWC) B.S. '70, M.S. '73
For close to 30 years, Charles E. Coughlin has worked in a variety of fund-raising, and admissions and records positions at several colleges and universities. After graduating from GWC, Coughlin worked there as director of admissions and records. He then worked at the University of Illinois before coming to Aurora University to work in the admissions department, then in fundraising. From Aurora, Coughlin returned to GWC as director of development and community relations. Later, Coughlin would come back to AU as the director of development and major gifts. Currently, he is executive director of development and alumni and parent programs. When he isn't fund-raising, Coughlin enjoys spending time with his family.

Alma Mater Award:

Rev. Ronald Thomas (AU) B.A. B.Th. '54
From 1954 to 1970, the students at Aurora College were touched by the gentle spirit of the Reverend Ronald Thomas. For those who knew him, he exemplified the highest in Christian character. Thomas served as college chaplain until 1968, when he assumed the position of dean of the chapel. His student activities ranged from dramatics to the repair of soot laden oil stoves, from leadership in religious activities to student government. He received the Spartan Award and was a member of the Aurora Advent Christian Church. He also contributed articles for religious and educational publications.

Recent Alumnus Award:

Randall L. Hutchinson (AU) B.A. '85
Randall Hutchinson has many ties to AU. He graduated from here in 1985, his wife, Sandra (Curran BSN) graduated in 1987, and his parents, Ernest and Lois (Dow) Hutchinson also are alumni. While finishing his degree at AU, he worked as an admissions counselor. After graduation, he worked at Arthur Andersen in Chicago and was a healthcare consultant with Tiber Group in Chicago. Currently he is a vice president, physicians network, at St. Francis Hospital in Blue Island, IL. He also performs with the Advent Christian Church singing group, "The Reason."

Distinguished Graduate School Alumnus Award:

Martin Ortiz (GWC) M.S. '50
In a Los Angeles Times article, Martin Ortiz was featured as "The Guiding Light: Young Latinos who believe that college is beyond their reach just haven't met Martin Ortiz. He's helped thousands see graduation day." Ortiz's long and prestigious career began while he was in graduate school at GWC. He was the founding executive director of the Mexican American Council of Chicago, Inc. and he served on the faculty of the YMCA College in Chicago as Instructor in Conversational Spanish. But he is best known for his work at Whittier College, as the director of the Center of Mexican American Affairs, a position he has held since 1968. He also was elected as an honorary life member of the Pasadena Tournament of Roses, serves as a member of the Corporate Advisory Committee of the Los Angeles County Human Relations Commission, and was appointed to the Commission of Campus Concerns of the National Association of Independent Colleges and Universities (NAICU).

Athletic Hall of Fame Awards:

Merton H. Kennedy (GWC) B.P.E. '30
Thoughout his long career, Merton Kennedy was considered a leader. For his leadership and contributions to the YMCA, he was named by his Y colleagues "1954 Illinois Physical Director of the Year." During the 30 years he was at the Lawson YMCA, Kennedy was a leader in physical training. He also held positions at the Chicago YMCA Hotel and the Isham and Austin Departments. During these years, he was deeply involved with volleyball as a player, coach, official, and advocate, both inside and outside the YMCA. He served as chairman of the men's volleyball competition at the 1959 Pan-Am games in Chicago. In 1961, he was selected by the U.S. Army to conduct two-week volleyball clinics for enlisted men in Alaska. His long and distinguished career culminated with his election to the Volleyball Hall of Fame in 1992.

Erwin "Bud" Beyer, Sr., (GWC) M.S. '45
Erwin "Bud" Beyer returned to teaching in 1964 after flying 200,000 miles, teaching 20,000 teachers as promotion and publicity director for the Cedar Rapids, IA Nissen Corporation. He was head gymnastics coach at the University of Chicago for 15 years. At that time he also was director of a group called Acrotheatre, which did gymnastics and dance shows. Beyer served on the United States AAU Gymnastics Committee, the U.S. Olympic Committee, the Pan-American Olympic Committee, and was chairman of the NCAA Gymnastics Committee for seven years. He retired in 1985 from his position as associate professor of physical education at the State University College, Plattsburgh, New York.

Kathy Lang (AU) B.A. '82
When she graduated from AU in 1982, Kathy Lang had won more varsity awards than any other athlete - male or female -- in recent decades. She participated all four years on the varsity women's tennis, basketball, and softball teams. She was the Most Valuable Player on the tennis team three years and conference champion in 1981, selected as a team captain for both basketball and softball both junior and senior year, was chosen to the NIIC All-Academic Team in 1980-81-82, and received the Spartan Award in 1982. Since graduation from AU, Lang has excelled in the field of anthropology, receiving her master's degree from the University of Idaho. She currently is curator for the Jean Lafitte National Historic Park in New Orleans.

Bob Guajardo (AU) B.A. '91
While at AU, Bob Guajardo held many of our offensive records and was a first team All-American in 1990 with the baseball team. He also was the MVP of a team that finished second in the nation in Division III. Professionally, Guajardo has succeeded as well. Currently, he is customer support representative for Siemens-Furras Controls in Batavia, IL. He provides customer and technical support to the Eastern and Central regions. He also handles multi-mullion dollar OEM accounts, was appointed lead customer support representative, and says he enjoys working with people.

Melissa Ivlow, (AU) B.A. '91
In 1989, Melissa Ivlow won the Chris Thompson Memorial Award, and in 1991 she was awarded Female Athlete of the Year. She earned nine varsity letters at AU, while maintaining a 3.6 GPA. Currently, Ivlow is teaching physical education and coaching men's volleyball at Amos Alonzo Stagg High School. While at Stagg High School, her volleyball team has won conference two times, and won regional five times. She received her master's degree from Governor's State University in 1997.

Chris Ferko (AU) B.A. '93
Chris Ferko was the first-team All-American at linebacker in 1992 and also was team captain. He was voted the best defensive player and team MVP in 1992. Ferko tied the record for tackles in a season with 120 in 1992 and was considered a dominant player who was a major reason our defense was nationally ranked in several categories. He provided the leadership that allowed us to go undefeated and make the playoffs in 1992. Although the 1992 team was considered a dream team, Ferko also was an integral part of the 1989-1991 seasons, which were outstanding for AU defense. He currently is teaching health education and coaching varsity football at Yorkville High School.