Three C&I alumni honored with 2021 CEHD Distinguished Alumni Awards

Three C&I alumni were recognized by the College of Education and Human Development at the 2021 Distinguished Alumni Awards ceremony on November 18. The awards honor alumni who have brought distinction to their professions and communities, with recipients spanning a diverse range of academic disciplines and career paths. Yet, all are community builders and leaders who make a positive difference in the lives of children, youth, families, schools, and organizations whose achievements bring honor to the college. 

Congratulations to the C&I recipients, Jerry Becker, Bryan Jackson, Dolores Merrill, and the rest of the 2021 distinguished alumni!

Meet the 2021 C&I recipients of the CEHD Distinguished Alumni:

Jerry Becker (left, with Dean Michael Rodriguez)

Jerry Becker is a Professor in Curriculum and Instruction at Southern Illinois University Carbondale. He received his bachelor’s in mathematics education from the U of M in 1959 and has taught math at elementary and secondary levels. His interests include improving practices in teacher education, curriculum development, international education, problem-solving, and learners’ cognitive development. Jerry’s long tenure in education is marked by his interest in building collaborations and worldwide information-sharing. Last month, Jerry was recognized by the Illinois Council of Teachers of Mathematics with a lifetime achievement award.

Bryan Jackson (left, with Dean Michael Rodriguez):

Bryan Jackson is a passionate, equity-driven leader who has built his commitment to public education and student engagement into a career focused on improving systems and structures to enhance outcomes. An elementary education alum, he was a teacher and school administrator for 15 years, laying the foundation for his educational programs and curriculum development. He currently works as a consultant advising and transforming organizations on diversity, equity, inclusion, and anti-racist practices. At his firm, Attach Consulting, and at Nonprofit HR, Bryan conducts assessments, builds relationships, leads training, and provides coaching to develop racial equity at all organizations. Bryan is co-creator of the Dad Genes podcast, which focuses on fatherhood, current events, and health from the hosts’ unique perspectives as fathers and Black men. CEHD recognized him ten years ago with the William Gardner PreK–12 Outstanding Educator Award.

Dolores Merrill (left, with Dean Michael Rodriguez):

Dolores Merrill was the first in her family to go to college. To earn her bachelor’s in math education, she took the streetcar every morning to campus, then after class took the streetcar to the St. Paul Montgomery Ward to earn her tuition and health fees. Dolores taught high school math for three years before joining IBM as a Systems Engineer, teaching, advising, and managing customer projects using computers. Her work involved various industries, including railroads, utilities, and insurance, and often involved travel within the US. She retired from IBM in 1991 after 35 years. Today, Dolores keeps busy volunteering, especially at the Science Museum and her church. 

Photo credits: Jayme Halbritter Photography