The Executive Director of the ACLU of Montana, an award-winning playwright, an internationally-known DEI professional, and a former Fortune 100 CEO are among this year’s honorees at Willamette’s Alumni Awards on May 18, 2024.
Since 1958, the Alumni Board of Directors has celebrated members of our alumni community annually who exemplify our common calling — “Non nobis solum nati sumus.”
This year’s awardees are:
Punit Renjen MM’87
The Sparks Medallion: Recognizing lifetime loyalty and service to Willamette.
Forty years ago, Punit Renjen traveled from his hometown in India to attend Willamette’s Atkinson school on a Rotary scholarship. Since then, he has been a deeply committed and passionate supporter and donor. Perhaps most significantly, he is currently the proud parent of a rising Bearcat sophomore.
Full Bio
Akilah Deernose BA’04
Distinguished Alum of the Year: honoring tremendous recent accomplishments
On September 4, 2023, Akilah Maya Deernose assumed the role of Executive Director at the ACLU of Montana. Akilah has dedicated her career after Willamette to “ensuring meaningful access to opportunity, justice, and equal rights under the law for all.” This dedication grows out of her own access to, and experience at, Willamette.
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Ellen Lewis BA’94
Professional Achievement: for success in their career over a lifetime
E. M. (Ellen Margaret) Lewis is an award-winning playwright, teacher, and opera librettist. Her work has been produced around the world, and published by Samuel French. She is currently enjoying a six-year National Playwright Residency at Artists Repertory Theater, provided by the Mellon Foundation.
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Jonathan Mayes JD’87
Professional Achievement: for success in their career over a lifetime
Jonathan Mayes is CEO of Jonathan Mayes Consulting and former Senior Vice President, Chief Diversity & Inclusion Officer for Albertsons Companies, one of America’s largest grocery and pharmacy chains. Mr. Mayes is an internationally-known speaker on diversity, equity and inclusion (DEI) topics, and has frequently presented at conferences, major universities and corporations.
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Tom BA’63 & Darlene BA’64 Dunham
Non Nobis Solum: significant contribution to society, the world or however one defines “community.”
In their 60 years since graduating from Willamette, Tom and Darlene have helped those in need around the world. Whether through medicine or volunteering at a conflict resolution center, the Dunhams have truly lived the WU Motto.
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Jordan Jones JD’20
Recent alum Non Nobis Solum: significant contribution to society, the world or however one defines “community.”
Jordan Jones has been busy for four years since she graduated from the College of Law. In 2021, she joined the DC Bar and has worked in human rights law ever since. She has been deeply connected in and leading efforts to support Afghanistan refugees.
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Jordan Schott BA’21
recent alum Non Nobis Solum: significant contribution to society, the world or however one defines “community.”
Jordan lives in Washington D.C., where she is a Legislative Aide for Senator Jeff Merkley (D-OR), leading his efforts to remove the slavery exception clause—which allows incarcerated individuals to be subject to slavery—from the 13th Amendment to the U.S. Constitution.
Full Bio
Do you know an alum worthy of consideration for the 2025 Alumni Awards? You can nominate one for any of the awards listed above.
