Senator Bean delivered the keynote address at JU’s spring 2017 commencement and received an honorary degree of Doctorate in Civic and Community Leadership for his dedication and service to his district and its residents.

Aaron Bean'89 was a recipient of the Dr. Francis Bartlett Kinne Excellence in Community Service Award in 2016.

“My passion for teaching has been fueled by the same passion and fervor that was shown to me as a young college student.” - Dr. Elaine Borne

Nat Ford's service to JU includes his leadership on the Davis College of Business Executive Advisory Board and Public Policy Institute MPP Minority Fellowship Board of Advisors.

Nat Ford spoke to Jacksonville University Executive MBA students in 2019 about leadership, his career in transportation, and experience going through the EMBA program at the JU Davis College of Business.

George Sackman poses for a photo at the 1952 Green Key Breakfast.

“JU holds a special place in my heart as it played a pivotal role in my development as a professional and a person. I am grateful for this recognition and look forward to continuing to represent JU within my profession, community, and the JU student body." - Jared Brooks '10

Since the Student Inclusion Center began in 2017, Jared has been a supporter of the Center and the students it serves. Mr. Brooks served on a panel for a program called Brother to Brother, providing advice to young men of color on professional topics. He most recently served on the Black Alumni Panel during Homecoming to share his experiences and advice with students and other alumni.

“It is a true honor to be nominated for such an award. It is a wonderful experience to be recognized for work ethic and perseverance. This moment of recognition is a balm during these unusual and trying times- and is, of course, only made possible by those upon whose shoulders I stand. Congratulations to my fellow Alumni.” - Jenn Lewis '10

"It is a great honor to be nominated by my peers and receive this award representing the recent graduates of Jacksonville University. This award brought back a flood of memories reliving all the good times and reconnecting with the family I made during my time as a student at JU. I want to share this award with my fellow GOLD Phins and my extended JU family who are all successful in their various fields and helped make JU the great University we know and love today."- Lucas Meers '12

“It's honor to be recognized for this distinguished award. I credit a positive start to my 33-year career in the military to my education at Jacksonville University. I received a firm foundation, not only in mathematics and critical thinking, but I also took advantage of opportunities to be engaged on campus, leadership positions as well as a study abroad program." Ann Burkhardt '87

"The one thing that I enjoy most about receiving this award is the fact that multiple faculty members from Jacksonville University put my name in for this award. Every faculty member I came in contact with during my time at JU had an impact on my life and I really appreciate the one on one support I received. Jacksonville University helped mold me into the professional I am today and the professors always went above and beyond making sure I was set up for success. There have been excellent service members that received this award before me and I am thankful to follow in their footsteps. Thank you so much for everything and go Phins!" - Sean Karpf '18

"I am honored by this recognition. But, candidly, there is a long list of far more worthy Dolphin veterans who have distinguished themselves while serving our Great Nation in uniform. I had the pleasure of knowing many of them while a student at JU and working with even more over the course of my 32 years of service. On behalf of all them – with a special shout-out to the JU NROTC Class of 1988 – I humbly accept this award." - Matt O'Keefe '88