2025 Franklin College Alumni Awards and Donor Celebration

The Franklin College honored donors and alumni April 11 at the annual Franklin College Alumni Awards and Donor Celebration. Philanthropic support for new professorships and expanded Study Away opportunities and scholarships for students, as well as facilities and instructional innovations in the Jill and Marvin Willis Center for Writing and the Layton Design Studio provided a snapshot of an outstanding 2025 and the building blocks for new initiatives to come.

Seven distinguished alumni recognized with 2025 awards, highlighting leaders in their industries, creating new ways of conducting business, collaborating on innovations, maintaining their curious nature and making an impact in their communities and around the world.

Congratulations to this year’s winners: 

• Young Alumni Award - John “Jack” Hartpence (AB ’15 English)
• Mid-Career  Award- Steve Yockey (AB ’01 Drama)
• Lifetime  Award - Jeff Shellebarger (BS ’78 Geology)
• Distinguished Alumni Award - Dr. Sangram “Sam” Sisodia (PhD ’85 Biochemistry)
• College Service Awarrd - Peggy Galis (AB ’68 History)
• Family Award- Charlene Benn (BS ’85 Computer Science) and Fraser Family
• Innovation Award -Sharmin Pathan (MS ’18 Computer Science)

Read more about these individuals and their accomplishments.

Image: From left: Dr. Sangram “Sam” Sidodia, Charlene Benn, Dean Anna Stenport, Sharmin Pathan, Jeff Shellebarger, and Peggy Galis. All photos by Jason Thrasher.