Alumni Honorees for 2002 Homecoming

RICHARD JENKINS '69

Distinguished Alumni Award

This award is presented annually to an alumnus/na who has made a distinguished contribution to society, has achieved professional distinction, or has demonstrated civic leadership.

Derek Armstrong of All Movie Guide writes, "A balding supporting actor with a grin that suggests he knows something you don't, [Richard Jenkins] has become one of the most in-demand character actors in Hollywood."

Richard Jenkins '69

Though Jenkins has worked steadily since the early 1980s, appearing in over 35 feature films in addition to extensive live theatre work, Jenkins may have made his most memorable impression as the patriarch of the family of undertakers on the hit HBO drama, "Six Feet Under." His character, Nathaniel Fisher Sr., was killed off in the first episode, but Jenkins continues to appear as a spirit lingering in the family's memory, perhaps a metaphor for Jenkins's own lingering impact on viewers, even when he appears in small roles.

A native of DeKalb, Ill., Jenkins received his bachelor's degree in theatre from IWU in 1969. He developed a long and distinguished regional theater career, most notably a 15-year stint at Rhode Island's Trinity Repertory Theater, where he served as artistic director for four years.

He earned his first movie role as early as 1975, but did not begin working regularly until a role in the film "Silverado" in 1985. Supporting work in such films as "Hannah and Her Sisters", "The Witches of Eastwick", and "Sea of Love" followed, and Jenkins spent the early 1990s specializing in made-for-TV movies.

In the late 1990s Jenkins started gaining wider appreciation, especially as he indulged in his talent for comedy. He was nominated for an Independent Spirit Award for his role in the 1996 film "Flirting With Disaster." His professional association with directors Peter and Bobby Farrelly has led to roles in "There's Something About Mary," "Outside Providence," "Say It Isn't So," and "Me, Myself & Irene."

Jenkins and his wife, Sharon (also a 1969 IWU graduate), live in Cumberland, R.I., and are parents of 1997 IWU graduate Sarah.

SHAYE R. MANDLE '93

Robert M. Montgomery Outstanding Young Alumnus Award

Named for a 1968 alumnus and former IWU Alumni Director (1970-73), this award recognizes alumni within 15 years of their graduation for outstanding professional achievement, civic leadership, or both.

Shaye Mandle has been recognized as one of the "Top 100 People of Chicago’s High Tech Economy" in 2002 (I-Street Magazine) and as one of Crain’s Chicago Business "Internet 100" in 2000 (the top 100 decision-makers affecting the growth of the Internet Economy in Chicago). Since April, Mandle has been executive director of the East-West Corporate Corridor Association in Naperville, Ill. Founded in 1985, the EWCCA is the western suburbs’ premiere business organization, representing 170 companies along the I-88 Illinois Research & Development Business Corridor and focussing on public policy, strategic planning, and networking and keeping its members engaged and informed about business dealings and community activities.

Shaye Mandel '93

After graduating in 1993, Mandle served as a legislative liaison to the Illinois Department of Revenue for Governor Jim Edgar and also worked in the Washington, D.C. office of Illinois representative J. Dennis Hastert. After earning a juris doctor degree from Duquesne University, Mandle entered private practice with the Aurora, Ill., firm of Murphy, Hupp, Foote, Mielke & Kinnally.

In 1998-99, Mandle was district director for U.S. House Speaker Hastert in Batavia, Ill., and from November 1999 to April of this year, Mandle was president of the Illinois Coalition in Chicago, a public/private partnership focused on growing Illinois’ economy through science and technology. While at the Illinois Coalition, Mandle was active in crafting and securing Governor George Ryan’s VentureTECH agenda, a $2 billion investment by the state in its technological and research infrastructure.

A frequent guest lecturer on law, politics and business at a number of colleges and universities. Mandle has served on many advisory councils, including the Illinois Workforce Board, the Illinois VentureTECH Commission, the Mayor’s Council of Technology Advisors and the Chicago Biotech Network Board.

Mandle lives in Aurora with his wife, Sunny Johnson Mandle (also a 1993 IWU graduate) and their children — daughter Piper and son Zane.

CARL F. DIXON '70

Loyalty Award

This award recognizes alumni who have benefited Illinois Wesleyan either through service to the University, strong financial support, or both.

A 1970 Illinois Wesleyan graduate, Carl F. Dixon has been the president and executive director of the Kidney Cancer Association since 1995.

Carl F. Dixon '70

Dixon earned bachelor of arts and science degrees, magna cum laude, from Illinois Wesleyan, where he was a member and officer of the Acacia fraternity and various honorary organizations. His IWU volunteer activities began in 1972 when he first served as a class agent. In later years he served as co-chairman for the Class of 1970. In 1976 he began a three-year term on the Alumni Council, and he joined the University's Board of Visitors in 1986. In 1990 he became active in the Chicago Regional Almuni Association, serving on many committees and assisting in planning events, including the first Chicago Regional Outing. In 1995 he was one of three chairpersons for the Class of 1970's 25th Reunion. He served as president of the Chicago Regional Association from 1998-2001 and was co-chairman of the University's Chicago Sesquicentennial Celebration. He is currently a member of the Alumni Association Executive Committee.

After graduating from IWU he was awarded the Edward R. Murrow Fellowship to the Fletcher School of Law & Diplomacy, where he received his master's degree. In 1974 he earned a juris doctor degree from the University of Chicago Law School.

Prior to joining the Kidney Cancer Association, Dixon practiced law in Chicago. He has a long history of service to voluntary health organizations, serving since 1977 on various boards of the American Lung Association. He is a member of the Board of Directors of the National Health Council, Friends of Cancer Research, and the National Coalition for Cancer Research. He has also served as a director of the Chicago Opera Theatre and as an officer and director of the Kenilworth Club.

Dixon is the father of two daughters and lives with his wife, Lonna Williams, in Kenilworth, Ill.