Home / About / Awards & Recognition / Community Awards / Distinguished Service Award Distinguished Service Award The Jackson College Board of Trustees presents the Distinguished Service Award each year to an individual or individuals who demonstrate exemplary service both to the community and to the College. Honorees are selected for their care and concern, beyond self, for the welfare and educational advancement of this community that has been expressed, in part, through the College. It is the highest honor given by the College to our committed and involved community leaders, one similar to that of an honorary doctorate bestowed by universities. 2025 Recipient John Crist Crist dedicated nearly two decades to the Jackson College Board of Trustees, serving as Chairman until late 2024. His tenure included campus housing construction, two new buildings, an observatory, and extensive renovations. He also helped launch new academic programs and expand community offerings. In 2017, he established the Crist Family Scholarship, demonstrating his deep commitment to student success. John chaired the Michigan Community College Association from 2019 to 2020, served on the Jackson College Foundation Finance Committee and was recently appointed to the Foundation Board of Directors. Past Recipients 2024 Sam R. BarnesMartha A. Petry 2023 Dr. Edward A. MatheinRonald L. Douglass 2022 Leland Bassett 2021 Greg O’Connor 2020 Evelyne JonesAlbert Krieger 2019 Senator Mike Shirkey 2018 Kirk Mercer 2017 Karen and Bart Hawley 2016 Christine Medlar 2015 Reverend Frank Hampton 2014 Karen Dunigan (Posthumously) 2013 Representative John Walsh 2012 Senator Mike Nofs 2011 Henry C. Zavislak 2010 Rep Mike Simpson (Posthumously) 2009 Dennis DaPraTony DungyDr. Harish Rawal 2008 R. Dale MoretzCharles E. Anderson 2007 George Potter 2006 Dale Smith 2005 John Crist 2004 Georgia Fojtasek 2003 Bill SigmandJerry KratzFred Slete 2002 Rick Davies 2000 Clyde E. LeTarte About Who We Are About the College Mission & Vision Strategic Agenda Locations Central Campus Jackson College Hillsdale Hillsdale County Early Middle College Jackson College Lenawee Jackson College Global Fast Facts Leadership Board of Trustees Members Meetings Policies By-Laws Performance Monitoring File a Complaint President’s Office About the President Initiatives Advocacy Executive Order Compliance Former Presidents Resources Leadership Council Organizational Charts History Heritage Center Awards & Recognition Community Awards Distinguished Service Award Employee Awards Outstanding Administrator Award Outstanding Faculty Award Outstanding Staff Award TCS2 Award Student Recognition Dean’s List Outstanding Student Award Points of Pride Institutional Info & Reporting Accreditation Consumer Information Policies & Procedures Transparency Reporting
