- Home
- » News and Events
- » Press Releases
- » 2008
- » George Williams College of Aurora University Honors Employee's and Alumni
George Williams College of Aurora University Honors Employee's and Alumni
10/28/2008
WILLIAMS BAY, Wis.— George Williams College of Aurora University hosted its second annual Coming Home Reunion Friday, Oct. 10 through Sunday, Oct. 12, on the campus located at 350 Constance Blvd. in Williams Bay. As part of the reunion activities, Spirit Awards were presented to former long-time GWC employees, Carolyn Gramley and Tom Cox.
Dr. Rebecca L. Sherrick, president of Aurora University, surprised both Gramley and Cox with the awards at the alumni dinner on Saturday, Oct. 11. The Spirit Award was created in 1985 by the AU Alumni Association to recognize individuals for unselfish contributions and steadfast loyalty to the institution and its constituents.
Carolyn Gramley of Elkhorn, Wis. served as director of the George Williams College campus from 1970 until 1985 and retired after 26 years of service. As director, she established a reputation for the campus as a well-managed operation with financial stability. Among other efforts, highlights included creating a more cohesive appearance throughout the campus with the establishment of a standardized paint color scheme and uniform signage. She was also responsible for the planting of hundreds of new trees and shrubs throughout the campus grounds and golf course. In addition, GWC’s nationally recognized outdoor education program flourished under her leadership.
For nearly 50 years, Tom Cox of Williams Bay, Wis. contributed to the campus in a variety of roles: first as head cook and baker, and then as host in the dining hall. He served as a mentor to younger employees and guided many dining room staff members throughout the years. Cox is famous for his booklets titled “Tales from the Dining Room Door,” filled with short stories featuring individuals who visited the campus.
In 1963, an issue of the “College Camper” newsletter was dedicated to Tom and his wife, Elizabeth. It read in part, “Many lifelong friendships have been started at College Camp and the hospitality and friendship offered to all by the Cox family will be one of those memories that will not fade.”
Gramley and Cox received brass lanterns, symbolizing the recipient’s love of and devotion to the ideals and people of the institution, and their commitment to nurturing the George Williams College spirit.
In addition, the George Williams College Distinguished Alumni Award was given to three outstanding alumni:
Albert Smith of Pembroke Pines, Fla., who received a master’s degree from George Williams College in 1963, was honored for his strong commitment and dedication to education and the improvement of society. A longtime educator and school administrator, Dr. Smith’s experience in higher education is extensive. He began his career at the University of Pittsburgh, and later worked at Eastern Michigan University and North Carolina A&T State University. In 1986, he became the sixth president of South Carolina State University. He went on to become the tenth president of Florida Memorial College, where he retired in 2006 after 13 years.
Ernest R. Jenkins of Chicago, Ill., who received a master’s degree in social work from George Williams College in 1972, was honored for his outstanding commitment to the community and contributions to excellence throughout his career. Jenkins began his career as a group worker for a branch of Chicago Youth Centers in 1956. He went on to serve as executive director for three YMCA centers and as vice president for community development for the YMCA of Metropolitan Chicago. In 1971, he founded the Westside Association for Community Action, and currently serves there as CEO.
Lyle K. Johnson of Minneapolis, Minn., who received a master’s degree in social work from George Williams College in 1979, was honored as a devoted educator and trainer who throughout his career embraced the values and ideals of GWC, and shared his passionate commitment with others. His career path took him to the Minneapolis YMCA where he was community program secretary for four years. Johnson then applied his skills as director of Camp Iduhapi from 1959 to 1966. For the next 19 years, he was a dedicated George Williams College professor of behavioral science, teaching graduate courses in human behavior and social environment, and research. He also served as assistant director of the division of social work education.
Aurora University is an inclusive community dedicated to the transformative power of learning. Approximately 4,000 degree-seeking students are enrolled each year on the university’s Illinois and Wisconsin campuses, and the university is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission of the North Central Association to award degrees at the baccalaureate, master’s, and doctoral levels. The George Williams College campus offers 14 academic programs, unique conference facilities, an 18-hole golf course, and is home to Music by the Lake and other education and enrichment programs.
For more information on George Williams College, visit www.aurora.edu/gwc or call 262-245-5531.
