At Elmhurst University’s annual Founders Recognition Evening, on October 8, four alumni were honored with two of the University’s most prestigious awards—the Founders Medal and the Alumni Merit Award—for their outstanding contributions to the University and the broader community.
The Founders Medal celebrates those who have distinguished themselves through philanthropic or personal service to the University. This year’s medal was awarded to John “Jack” Terrill Jr. ’67. For more than 20 years, he and his wife, Sandra (Centner) Terrill ’67, have supported their alma mater with philanthropic gifts, by serving as hosts for alumni events, and more. Jack Terrill served on the Elmhurst University Board of Trustees from 1999 to 2010 before being named a trustee emeritus in 2011. For many years, he served as chairman and CEO of J.W. Terrill, Inc., an insurance brokerage, risk management and benefits consulting firm near St. Louis. The Terrills established the Jack and Sandy Terrill Endowed Scholarship and also support the Class of 1967 Light of Knowledge Scholarship Fund, the Annual Fund and other Elmhurst causes. He earned a bachelor’s degree in history from then-Elmhurst College, where he was a football letterman.
The Alumni Merit Awards celebrate Elmhurst graduates who have made significant contributions to the community and their alma mater.
This year’s Distinguished Young Alumni Award honors Amanda Swanson ’22, a fifth-grade teacher and mentor at Kimball Hill Elementary, in Rolling Meadows, Illinois. Swanson has been committed to building inclusive, relationship-centered classrooms where every child can thrive, and connects students and their families with wraparound resources that support the whole child. Swanson also enjoys leading the Mindfulness Club and the Video Club at Kimball Hill, and believes that some of the most important learning happens when students know they belong.
Jacque Hulslander ’77, ’81 received the Distinguished Service to Alma Mater award for her commitment to the University. She has mentored first-generation nursing students, served as an active member of the Alumni Association Board of Directors, and was co-chair and founder of the Nursing Alumni Committee. Hulslander also has been an active member of the President’s Circle since 2014 and has philanthropically supported a variety of initiatives, including scholarships, the Diane Tyrrell Department of Nursing and Public Health, and the Health Sciences Building.
The Distinguished Service to Society award recognizes Farooq Shah ’14, MPM ’24 for his devotion to advancing equity and empowerment through professional and volunteer roles. Shah wrote a children’s book, Frankie Saves the Day, about a 7-year-old boy whose differences become his strengths. He also volunteers with Special Kids Day and other organizations that create inclusive opportunities for children with special needs; and is a supporter of La Rabida Children’s Hospital. Shah also administers a support group for people living with rheumatoid arthritis, a condition he lives with himself.