On Friday, five outstanding UM Alumni will be receive the 2018 Distinguished Alumni Award at a ceremony in the University Center.

Outreach coordinator for the UM Alumni Association, Jodi Moreau introduces the honorees.

“The first is an outstanding woman named Evelyn Adedoja Yeye Dada,” said Moreau. “She is a 1983 grad with a Masters Degree in Public Administration, whose work involves economic development in Africa. A feather in her cap was to help pioneer the Global Resources Management System.”

Moreau said the next distinguished alumnus is Paul Lewing who graduated with degrees in art.

“He moved to Seattle to continue his artistry work, first in pottery and then to ceramic tile, and has been commissioned for over a thousand custom projects for clients around the world.”

Next, Moreau introduced William Marcus, a familiar name to listeners and viewers of Montana PBS.

“He helped develop Montana PBS before public broadcasting existed in Montana, and bridged the divide between UM and MSU to deliver programs across the state,” she said.

“His ‘Back Roads of Montana’ series has received many awards.”

Moreau said Sara Peck, who now resides in Lakeside, is a 1966 graduate.

“She initially came to UM for a degree in zoology, but received instead a degree in education,” said Moreau. “She started the Ed-U-Dive Incorporated to bring marine life study tours to local aquariums and has led coral reef tours all over the world..”

Lastly, Moreau said Sheila Skemp is a graduate from 1867 from Oxford, Mississippi.

“She is a well known history professor and scholar currently at Ole Miss,” she said. “She has multiple outstanding teacher awards over the years, and has authored several books on the colonial and revolutionary periods in American history.”

The public is invited to the awards ceremony and reception at 5:30 p.m. on Friday in the University Center Ballroom at UM.

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