Anderson University Announces 2024 Alumni Awards
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Anderson, Ind. — Anderson University is pleased to announce the honorees of its annual alumni awards to be celebrated at this year’s Homecoming event on October 12 at 5 p.m. in York Performance Hall. All honorees were nominated by peers for their respective award before selection by the AU Alumni Council.
Distinguished Alumni Award | Toni Romano BA ’57
Education and service are synonymous with the name Toni Romano. From an early age, even before her time at Anderson College, she was teaching and working towards a better future. From pioneering and establishing new programs and classrooms for nursery school students, ministering to her community, and spearheading new educational opportunities, Romano has a legacy of caring for others that is inspiring to all. Her work allowed her to support families, help provide training for people working in poverty, advocate for others, and so much more. Romano discovered a passion for yoga, meditation, and other spiritual practices, which opened doors for education around the country. Romano has continued to serve her community and share her heart with those around her. Her memoir, Growing Into Wisdom and Grace: Evolving from Religion to Spirituality, was published in 2020.
MOSAIC Multicultural Alumni Award | Michelle D. Williams MA ’08
Grace, love, and a sense of justice fuel Michelle Williams’ efforts as a leader, advocate, and passionate communicator. As the former director of the Multicultural Student Services (now Center for Intercultural Engagement) and assistant dean of students, Williams helped AU continue improving its intercultural principles. Now the CEO of Shalom Consultants and vice president of diversity, equity, and inclusion for Firefly Children and Family Alliance, Williams continues to empower those around her.
Distinguished Service Award | Lisa Pay BA ’86
Carrying on the torch of attending Anderson was a call that Lisa Pay answered with vigor and pride. With a legacy of familial involvement in the Church of God, she earned her degree in social work and was launched into a career of serving and advocating for those under her care. Between practicing social work and teaching the subject at AU for more than 30 years, Pay is dedicated to bringing up the next generation of passionate humanitarians.
Young Alumni Award | Derek Mallory BA ’17
Hurdles are something Derek Mallory is accustomed to overcoming, literally and figuratively. He was a track star during his time as a Raven and his event of choice allowed him to leap alongside beloved teammates. Now excelling as a physical therapist at a rehabilitation hospital, Mallory is putting his passion for serving those on recovery journeys and with special needs into practice every day. This passion has led him on trips overseas with his wife to serve and inspire cross-culturally.
John H. Kane Loyalty Award | Jerry Grubbs MA ’70
Dr. Jerry Grubbs is more than a teacher, preacher, and writer; he is a shepherd. From serving as a faculty member in AU’s School of Theology, as well as many other roles including director, academic dean, and vice president of student life, to leading from the pulpit of Church of God congregations, his life has been dedicated to education and lifting those around him. His work has earned countless honors as he has continued to share his wisdom and research with others, as well as his generosity and faithful service to his community and those in need around the world.
Anderson University is on a mission to educate students for lives of faith and service, offering more than 60 undergraduate majors, 30 three-year degrees, 20 NCAA Division III intercollegiate sports, alongside adult and graduate programs. The private, liberal arts institution is fully accredited and recognized among top colleges for its business, computer science, cybersecurity, dance, engineering, nursing, and teacher education programs. Anderson University was established in 1917 in Anderson, Indiana, by the Church of God.