Alumni Citations & Awards
It is an honor to annually recognize deserving Maryville College alumni, highlighting their immense contributions to the College, their communities, and/or their professions. Below are the winners of the 2025 Alumni Citation Award and Kin Takahashi Young Alumni Award, and the most recent Distinguished Service Award (last given in 2024). If you would like to nominate an alumnus for an Alumni Award, learn more about the process and complete the form. Names of the alumni award winners since 1999 are also included on this page.
Alumni Citation
This award may be made to any alumnus/a of Maryville College who has demonstrated outstanding leadership, initiative, or service in his/her community, church or profession. Alumni Citations are presented at Founder’s Day during Homecoming weekend.
2025 Award Recipient
Jonika Dhima Hoomes ’02
Jonika Dhima Hoomes ’02 is the Founder of Integralis Leadership. Prior to fully dedicating herself to executive coaching, she spent more than two decades in senior level roles in the technology sector, including nineteen years at Google as an executive in Google’s 4 largest organizations.
In her role as Cloud Learning & Development Global Programs Lead, Jonika spearheaded SVP-level research to understand employee and leadership needs in the realm of cloud skills development. She successfully brought to market groundbreaking partnerships with select Cloud partners.
As Chief of Staff for Developer Relations, Jonika held global responsibility for product operations, leadership development, new manager career development, employee satisfaction, and diversity & inclusion efforts, all the way up to the Senior Vice President level. Prior to her role in DevRel, Jonika served as the leader of Global Business Development for Android One.
Jonika’s decade-long dedication to building and leading Google’s first Automotive Channel Partnerships team resulted in remarkable achievements. Under her leadership, her multicultural team grew a small book of business into one of the largest and fastest-growing reseller businesses, generating $1 billion in ad sales.
Jonika attributes her love for learning and her mother’s insistence in teaching her multiple languages in empowering her to be Google’s first Albanian hire and thriving across various Google organizations. She is a Certified New Ventures West Coach, a Certified Coach with the International Coaching Federation and holds an MBA from Santa Clara Leavey School of Business and a Bachelor of Arts in political science from Maryville College. She makes her home in California with her husband, Ben Hoomes ’00, and their two daughters.
Watch Alumni Citation Honoree Video >- 2024 – Jill Kinsinger Koss, 1980
- 2023 – Denise Hinds, 1980, and Adam McCall, 1999
- 2022 – Dr. James H. Laster*, 1956, and Dr. Madlon Travis Laster, 1956
- 2021 – Dr. Karla Beard Heildelberg, 1988, and K.C. Cross, 1990
- 2020 – Carey Coghill, 1972, and Jeff Coghill, 1970
- 2019 – Arthur Masker, 1969
- 2018 – William Heird*, 1958
- 2018 – Betty Hammers Wiley *, 1953
- 2017 – Richard Henderson, 1957
- 2017 – Melissa Barker Johnson, 1990
- 2016 – James Cummings, 1956
- 2016 – E. Ross Hamory, 1970
- 2015 – Steven Diggs, 1988
- 2015 – George Poland, 1961
- 2014 – William DeWeese*, 1964
- 2014 – C. Randy Massey, 1981
- 2013 – Paul Elliott, 1963
- 2013 – George Schember, 1963
- 2012 – Alvin Baker*, 1972
- 2012 – Thomas Jones, 1952
- 2011 – T. Bryson Struse, 1961
- 2011 – Melissa Walker, 1985
- 2010 – G. Donald Hickman, 1970
- 2010 – Carl McDonald, 1963
- 2009 – Alvin Nance, 1979
- 2009 – Elizabeth Welsh*, 1959
- 2008 – Terry Dick Dykstra, 1961
- 2008 – Roger Nooe, 1962
- 2007 – George Carpenter*, 1953
- 2007 – James McCall*, 1957
- 2006 – Corita Erwin Swanson, 1958
- 2006 – Mary Lee Witherspoon, 1956
- 2005 – Martha Hess, 1967
- 2005 – Robert Shelton*, 1955
- 2004 – George Ogle*, 1951
- 2004 – Kenneth Tuck, 1954
- 2003 – Sue Anthony Dawson, 1969
- 2003 – Penny Proffitt Piper, 1969
- 2003 – Sharon Youngs, 1979
- 2002 – Harold Cones, 1965
- 2002 – Sheridan Greaser, 1960
- 2002 – John Shew*, 1951
- 2002 – Susie Shew*, 1952
- 2002 – Sarah McNiell*, 1953
- 2001 – Frank Cross*, 1942
- 2001 – Clifford Henry*, 1950
- 2001 – Stanley Shields*, 1937
- 2000 – James Fisher, 1955
- 2000 – Clyde Flanagan, 1962
- 1999 – Boydson Baird*, 1941
- 1999 – Joseph Dawson, 1969
- 1999 – Henry Van Hassel*, 1954
* = Deceased
Kin Takahashi Award for Young Alumni
This award shall be given to any alumnus/a who has, within 20 years of his/her graduation of Maryville College, lived a life characteristic of College legend, Kin Takahashi, Class of 1895, who in his 36 years of living, worked tirelessly for the betterment of his alma mater, his church and his society. This award is presented at Founder’s Day during Homecoming weekend.
2025 Award Recipients
LeSean Brannon ’11 and Dr. Jerica Johnson-Hall ’13
When the Maryville College Alumni Association board of directors adjusted its bylaws to follow a taskforce model in 2019, one of the initial needs identified was an Alumni Diversity Taskforce to connect with alumni from diverse populations. Although not members of the alumni board at the time, LeSean “Seanny” Brannon ’11 and Dr. Jerica Johnson Hall ’13 were immediately identified as leaders and proved instrumental in the development of the active and productive alumni diversity taskforce.
Seanny and Jerica have been especially effective in getting out the message that all alumni are valued and have much to share with one another, current students, and faculty. They each bring these values to their professional lives in education, and they honor Maryville College by their continued commitment to MC values and their continued willingness to help make Maryville College an even better place. Both Seanny and Jerica have served as members of the Maryville College Alumni Association Board, ensuring their perspectives continue to influence and strengthen the greater alumni community.
Seanny is currently a Professional Learning Specialist for Curriculum Associates. She holds a Bachelor of Arts degree in child development with licensure from Maryville College and a master’s in educational leadership and administration from Concordia University (2015). She lives in Huntsville, Alabama, with her wife Nicole Lewis and recently earned her real estate license.
Jerica is currently a Talent Acquisition Manager with Hamilton County Schools. She holds a Bachelor of Arts degree in music and business management from Maryville College. Jerica received an MBA from Bryan College and earned a Doctor of Education in Leadership with a focus in Organizational Intelligence from Trevecca Nazarene University. She lives in Chattanooga, Tennessee, with her husband DeMarcus Hall.
Watch KT Award Honoree Video >- 2024 – Molly Ridgeway Anderson, 2018, and Joshua Anderson, 2018
- 2023 – Mark Libell, 2003
- 2022 – Cory Howard, 2010
- 2021 – Dr. Adam Prichard, 2003
- 2020 – Valerie Malyvanh Jansen, 2001
- 2019 – Mathew Murrill, 2008
- 2018 – Frank Twum-Barimah, 2004
- 2017 – Shaun Hayes, 2006
- 2016 – Marissa McInnis, 2004
- 2015 – Joshua Phillips, 2008
- 2014 – William Gavin Lodge McCammon, 1999
- 2013 – Smith Jean-Philippe, 2000
- 2012 – Christie Latimer Knapper, 2004
- 2011 – Preston Fields, 2003
- 2010 – John Trotter, 1995
- 2009 – Yvette P. Franklin, 1998
- 2008 – Kristi Falco, 2001
- 2007 – Kristine Renee Tallent, 1996
- 2006 – Erin Palmer Polly, 1999
- 2005 – Adriel McCord, 2000
- 2004 – Julie Walker Danielson, 1994
- 2003 – Christen McCammon Khym, 1996
- 2002 – William F. Lukens, 1991
- 2001 – John Francis Heidelberg, 1987, and Karla Beard Heidelberg, 1988
- 2000 – Jonathan A. Allision, 1990
- 1999 – Kandis Schram, 1995
Distinguished Service Award
This award may be made to any alumnus/a of Maryville College who has rendered unusual service in any capacity on behalf of the College. This award is typically presented at Convocation at the beginning of the fall semester. Note: In 2020, the criteria of the Distinguished Service Award was changed to limit awardees to alumni or former students.
2024 Award Recipient
Margaret “Peggy” Maher ’78
Given that the 2024-25 academic year marks the 50th anniversary of the establishment of the American Sign Language-English Interpreting major at Maryville College — the first of its kind in the nation — it’s no surprise, then, that Margaret A. “Peggy” Maher ’78 will be honored during the August Convocation for the three decades she spent at Maryville College teaching American Sign Language-English Interpreting. From 1989 to 2019, she prepared more than 125 students for careers in professional interpreting and helped the College raise its visibility as one of only a few institutions to offer the interpreting major.
Her standards for classroom excellence, as well as her commitment to student success, helped the program earn a reputation for quality instruction and preparation for the field. As an MC student, she was among the first Scots to complete the major in interpreting for the Deaf, and after graduating from MC, she went on to earn a master’s in social work from the University of Tennessee and a Master’s of Science in Teaching Interpreting from Western Maryland College (now McDaniel College), in addition to completing professional studies at Gallaudet University. She earned and maintained several levels of certification from the Registry of Interpreters of the Deaf (RID) and was active in the interpreting community.
While a Maryville College faculty member, she taught all interpreting courses, conducted course labs, advised students, updated the curriculum, maintained and oversaw interpreting laboratory materials and equipment, conducted departmental program reviews, supervised consultants for interpreting courses and laboratories, and presented department information at Admissions events. She also coordinated interpreting services to Deaf students at Maryville College and interpreted for them, as needed.
Like many of her faculty peers, she taught first-year seminar and experiential courses, served on numerous committees of the College, and obtained grants for professional development and programs that supported greater interaction between MC interpreting students and the Deaf community. Through her, the College was represented in the activities of the Knoxville Center of the Deaf and the Tennessee Schools for the Deaf, and upon her retirement she was described as a “steadfast keeper” of the College’s interpreting program and as “an amazing role model” for students, one of whom described her as someone “always ready and willing to share her wealth of knowledge and experiences with us. She has taught us certain lessons that are not only useful for interpreting, but we will use for the rest of our lives.”
Peggy was presented the Distinguished Service Award at a private ceremony in August 2024. Photos from the event can be seen here.
- 2023 – Bruce Guillaume, 1978
- 2022 – Austin Coleman “Cole” Piper*, 1968
- 2020 – Alvin C. Baker*, 1972
- 2020 – Gail Bradley Hafner, 1960
- 2020 – Elizabeth Walton Blackburn, 1958
- 2020 – Judy Pike Woods, 1971
- 2020 – Robert Kennedy, 1971
- 2010 – C. Charlton Mabry*, 1950
- 2005 – John J. Duncan, Jr.
- 2003 – Roy F. Kramer, 1951
- 2002 – Darrell Akins
- 1999 – John C. McQueen, Jr.*, 1934
- 1998 – Margaret A. Cooper*
- 1997 – Lindsay Young*
- 1994 – James A. Haslam
- 1993 – Duncan S. Ferguson
- 1991 – Stanley B. Shields*, 1937
- 1991 – Irma K. Young*
- 1991 – Price Gwynn, III*
* Deceased
MC Medallion Award
The Maryville College Medallion is the highest award presented by the College. Awarded since 1990, it recognizes those individuals who have helped immeasurably toward perpetuating the College as a distinctive educational and cultural institution and who have had a profound influence on the future course of Maryville College.
2025 Award Recipient
C. Michael Davis
“Mike’s tenure as board chair will be remembered as a notable one in the College’s history — from managing the COVID19 pandemic to opening the Downtown Center to joining the Southern Athletic Association (SAA) — we were doing anything but sitting still,” said Maryville College President Dr. Bryan Coker, who selected Davis to receive the Medallion after Davis announced his retirement as board chair earlier this year.
“Mike stepped up for the chair of the board role when we needed strong and experienced leadership the most,” Coker said. “He then led the board with a steady hand, always focused on the College’s future in a disruptive period for higher education. No board meeting ever started late during Mike’s time as chair. Even if no one else was in the room yet, the meeting was going to start on time.”
Davis earned his bachelor’s degree from the University of Tennessee and spent most of his career working for Harrison Construction, serving as president from 2005 until 2009.
During his tenure as a member of the MC Board of Directors, which he joined in 2012, he served on the Building, Grounds and Technologies Committee, the Audit and Risk Management Committee, and as chair of the Finance and Investment Committee. Davis became chair in 2021 after the sudden death of Austin Coleman ‘Cole’ Piper ’68. At that time, he had already served nine years on the board of directors, and over the next four years, he provided steady leadership grounded in his long ties to the College.
Davis’s wife, Ibby Shelley Davis ’68 attended Maryville College and served on the board of the Maryville College Alumni Association. Their son, Todd Davis ’00, is also a Maryville College graduate. Mike and Ibby have one other son, Chris.
Watch Medallion Award Honoree Video >- 2021 – Mary Kay Sullivan, Ph.D., Professor Emerita, Management
- 2015 – Steve T. West
- 2012 – Terry A. Bunde, B.S., Ph.D., Professor Emeritus, Chemistry
- 2010 – Kenneth D. Tuck, M.D., 1954
- 2009 – Martha Hess, 1967
- 2006 – Dean Boldon*, Ph.D.
- 2005 – Sheridan H. Greaser, 1960
- 2004 – Harold D. Lambert*, 1950, and Jean T. Lambert
- 2003 – Joseph J. Copeland*, B.D., D.D., LL.D.
- 2002 – Diane Humphreys-Barlow, 1970
- 2001 – Boydson H. Baird*, 1941
- 2000 – Arthur S. Bushing*, LITT.D., 1943
- 1999 – Richard E. Ragsdale
- 1998 – Harry H. Harter*, D.S.M.
- 1997 – Elizabeth H. Bradford*
- 1996 – Algie Sutton*, LL.D., 1929
- 1995 – Arda S. Walker*, Ph.D., 1940
- 1994 – Dan M. McGill*, Ph.D., LL.D., 1940
- 1993 – Tutt S. Bradford*, LL.D.
- 1992 – Carle M. Davis* & Connie F. Davis*
- 1991 – Carolyn L. Blair*, Ph.D.
- 1991 – James N. Proffitt*, M.D.
- 1990 – Harwell W. Proffitt*
* Deceased
Wall of Fame
The Maryville College Wall of Fame, located within MC’s Cooper Athletic Center, was established by the Honaker Club in 1975. Today, it is an ongoing project sponsored by the Maryville College Athletic Department. Its purpose is to recognize outstanding individuals who have contributed to the tradition of MC Athletics. Over the years, more than 200 Maryville College student-athletes and supporters of the athletic department have been honored for their accomplishments. Learn more about the 2025 honorees at mcscots.com.
Make A Nomination
The privilege of submitting nominations for any alumni award is given to alumni, past and present faculty and staff members, and friends of Maryville College. Nominations are accepted on a rolling basis for consideration by the Maryville College Alumni Association. To nominate an outstanding alumnus/a, please read the award descriptions and determine the best fit for your nominee. Then, complete the online nomination form. You may submit additional supporting materials via the nomination form or by emailing the Alumni Office.
Note: The Wall of Fame honorees are determined by a committee governed by the Maryville College Athletic Department. Wall of Fame nominations can be submitted for consideration via this online nomination form.