U.S. Rep. Greg Walden has been honored with the 2015 Glenn L. Jackson Leadership Award as part of Willamette University’s Commencement on May 17. First presented in 1984, the award recognizes extraordinary entrepreneurial and civic leadership benefiting the State of Oregon. It is presented annually as part of Willamette’s Atkinson Graduate School of Management ceremony, celebrating students who earn an MBA in business, government and not-for-profit management. Walden joins a long, distinguished list of past award recipients.
The Glenn L. Jackson Leadership Award was created by the Atkinson Graduate School of Management at Willamette University in 1984 to recognize extraordinary entrepreneurial and civic leadership benefiting the State of Oregon. The Award seeks to recognize public and private leadership in the tradition of the late Glenn L. Jackson, a true Oregonian, who served as Chairman of Pacific Power and Light (now, PacifiCorp), Chairman of the Oregon Transportation Commission and owner of several entrepreneurial enterprises. Glenn L. Jackson believed in making the right thing happen for Oregon and had the capacity and drive to get things done. He serves as a civic leadership model for all Oregonians.
The Award was first presented to Gerald W. Frank, an outstanding Oregonian, community leader and entrepreneur. Mr. Frank presents the Award annually on behalf of Willamette University at the Atkinson Graduate School of Management's May Commencement exercises.
Walden represents the people of Oregon's Second Congressional District, which includes 20 counties in central, southern, and eastern Oregon. Walden, 58, is a lifelong Oregonian whose ancestors came to Oregon by wagon train in 1845. Walden serves as chairman of the Energy and Commerce Committee’s Subcommittee on Communications and Technology. Walden’s experience as a former member of the Hood River Memorial Hospital Board of Trustees and as a former member of the Oregon Health Sciences University Foundation Board have helped in his work to improve access to affordable health care, especially in rural communities. His successful efforts have earned him national and local awards. Walden has also worked hard to ensure that Oregon service members and veterans receive the benefits they have earned through years of brave service.