The UO Alumni Association bestows a number of awards on outstanding alumni who have attained extraordinary distinction in their chosen professional fields or who have gone above and beyond in their commitment to their communities. These individuals represent what it means to be a Duck and stand out as shining examples of how UO alumni are changing the world.
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The highest award of distinction for UO alumni. This award is bestowed upon UO alumni who have served the nation, state, or university, or who have distinguished themselves by personal endeavor. Past recipients include 1956 Nobel Prize winner Walter Brattain, MA ’26; legendary track coach and NIKE cofounder Bill Bowerman, BS ’34, MEd ’53; NIKE cofounder Phil Knight, BBA ’59; film producer and cofounder of Merchant Ivory Productions James Ivory, BA ’51; author and counterculture figure Ken Kesey, BS ’57; and legendary politician Edith Green, BS ’40, who introduced the bills that led to the Equal Pay Act and Title IX.
This distinction recognizes the achievement of young alumni who have achieved significant professional, service, or personal accomplishments within fifteen years of graduation and before their fortieth birthday. Past recipients include US Senator Ron Wyden, JD ’74; pioneering polar explorer Ann Bancroft ’81; television personality Ann Curry ’78; and Paralympian Tiana Tozer ’90.
This award is named after Jeanne Johnson, who dedicated years of her life to serving the UO Alumni Association (UOAA) in several roles across her tenure. Her service laid the foundation for the UOAA to expand by helping more alumni strengthen their relationships with each other and the UO. This award recognizes individuals who, like Jeanne Johnson, have gone above and beyond in dedicating extraordinary service to the UO Alumni Association. Past recipients include Len Casanova, Teresa Giustina, MS ’86; Corey duBrowa, BA ’88; and Cheryl Ramberg Ford.
