Distinguished Alumnus Award: This award is presented to an alumnus or alumna who has demonstrated outstanding performance in his or her profession and has made outstanding contributions to his or her community.  This is the highest honor presented by the Alumni Association.

This year's recipient was Gary M. Hairston.  Gary graduated from SSU in 1973 with an associate of business degree in retail management and in 2000 with a bachelor’s degree in social science.  He is the Human Resources Director for the United States Enrichment Corporation (USEC) Piketon Contract Services.  Gary has worked there for over 33 years. 

Gary serves as the Trinity Lodge No. 9 Worshipful Master of the Prince Hall Grand Lodge of Ohio, Free & Accepted Masons.  He was recently voted Mason of the Year for the 2^nd Masonic District of the Prince Hall Grand Lodge of Ohio, F & A.M.  Gary also belongs to the Scioto County NAACP and is a Portsmouth Metropolitan Housing Authority Commissioner. 

Gary and his wife, Marilyn (who has worked at USEC for over 31 years), have been married for over 31 years.  Their daughter, Tia, is married to Army Captain Dale King, who just returned from his second tour of duty in Iraq.  Tia is a nurse practitioner in Colorado Springs.

 

Alumni Service Award: This award is presented to an alumnus or alumna in recognition of his or her outstanding volunteer service and contributions to Shawnee State and/or the Alumni Association.

This year's recipient was Denise Gregory.  Denise was a member of the first graduating class from Shawnee State College in 1976.  She started working at SSU in 1991 as a Payroll Clerk and moved to Human Resources in 1999.  In 2005 her work was rewarded with the performance bonus award.

Denise is the campus chair for the Go Red for Women Campaign of the American Heart Association.  She’s a member of the University Administrative Assembly Executive Committee and was the UAA co-chair for the in-house campaign. 

Denise has performed on stage at the Portsmouth Little Theatre and the Southern Ohio Museum.  She is a member of the Girl Scouts and has served as a leader and Green Circle Facilitator.  She is involved with the Southern Ohio Chrysalis Community through Cornerstone United Methodist Church.

Denise is married to Ed Gregory, who also graduated from SSU in 1976.  They have two children, Tiffany and Michael, and one grandson.

 

Alumnus of Tomorrow Award: This award is given each academic year to a graduating student (from that academic year) who has displayed commitment to his or her individual endeavors—academic, social and personal—and who shows great promise toward his or her future endeavors.  The award is given at the annual Evening of Honors in May.

 

This year's recipient was Jared Bentley.  Jared graduated from SSU in 2006 with a bachelor’s degree in biology.  While at SSU, he was the President of the Pre-Med Club, the Historian of the Tri-Beta Biological Honor Society and the Chemistry Club Treasurer.  He was also a member of Phi Eta Sigma and participated in intramural football.  He worked on three different research projects through the Department of Natural Sciences, including one on the Group A Streptococcus strains.  All of that hard work paid of as he was accepted to five different medical schools.  Jared chose the University of Cincinnati College of Medicine, where he is currently attending. 

Jared married Brittani Boldman two weeks after graduation.  He hopes to return to the area, possibly specializing in emergency medicine or surgery. 

 

For more information on how to nominate someone for these awards, click here.