Home / Alumni & Donors / Alumni / Alumni Recognition / Crockett Distinguished Alumni Award Dr. Ethelene Jones Crockett Distinguished Alumni Award Dr. Ethelene Jones Crockett attended Jackson High School and graduated from Jackson Junior College in 1934. Dr. Crockett was director of the Crittenton Hospital clinics, headed the health care committee of New Detroit, Inc. and organized neighborhood health programs. As Michigan’s first female African-American obstetrician/gynecologist, Dr. Crockett received the Detroit Medical Society’s “Physician of the Year” award. She served on the boards of the Michigan Cancer Foundation, United Community Services and received the “Howardite of the Year” award from Howard University, which she attended after medical studies at the University of Michigan. Dr. Crockett was the first woman to serve as president of the American Lung Association. She presented the Christmas Seal Campaign to President Jimmy Carter on behalf of the American Lung Association in November 1978. Dr. Crockett was the keynote speaker during our 1972 commencement program. She passed away in 1979, but her achievements serve as a positive example to our College community. Crockett Award Nomination Form Crockett Award Recipients 2026 – Amy E. Rogers Amy Rogers is a visionary leader in special education who has spent over 22 years at the Jackson County Intermediate School District championing the potential of every student. Beginning as a special education teacher, she later served as Principal of the Lyle A. Torrant Center and will soon transition to Director of Special Education for the county. Driven by a deep belief that no child should have a “lid” placed on their potential, Amy’s philosophy is rooted in her own experience as a student who learned differently. She also serves as a Special Olympics coach, faculty advisor for Best Buddies at Spring Arbor University, and adjunct instructor — reflecting her tireless commitment to an inclusive Jackson community. Past Recipients 2025 Barbara Markowski Class of 1970 2024 Daniel Mahoney Class of 2022 2023 Thomas and Nancy Evanson Class of 1967/1968 2022 Christopher Simpson Class of 1998 2021 Charles Birney Class of 1954 2020 Woodrow Wilson, Jr. Class of 1967 2019 Dr. Frederic Slete Class of 1978 2018 Dr. Lewis “Keith” Yohn Class of 1953 2017 Dr. Jon Lake Class of 1972 2016 Laura M. Stanton Class of 1974 2015 John Crist Class of 1966 2014 Dr. George E. Potter Class of 1956 2013 Dr. M. Richard Shaink Class of 1962 2012 Leland Bassett Class of 1964 2011 William J. Maher Class of 1941 2010 Lawrence L. Bullen Class of 1949 2009 Thomas R. Draper Class of 1966 2008 Leonard H. Griehs Class of 1967 2007 Davis S. Richmond Class of 1992 2006 Richard L. Davies Class of 1966 2005 Brian C. Walker Class of 1992 2004 Robert D. Thomson Class of 1947 2003 Dr. G. Richard Watterson Class of 1965 2002 Dr. Pearl Lee Walker McNeil Class of 1935 2001 Carl L. English Class of 1966 2000 Victor Cuiss Class of 1939 1999 Anton Streiff Class of 1934 1998 Diana L. Midgley Class of 1984 1997 Jack C. Curtis Class of 1949 1996 Michael Johnson Class of 1973 1995 Arthur E. Ellis Class of 1952 1994 Dr. Edward A. Mathein Class of 1961 1993 Howard C. Woods, Sr. Class of 1940 1992 James A. McDivitt Class of 1950 1991 Dr. Wilbur L. Dungy Class of 1948 1990 Shirley E. Zeller Class of 1981 1989 Richard B. Firestone 1988 Carole J. Schwinn Class of 1975 1987 Maxwell E. Brail Class of 1965 1986 Jeannette R. Hatt Class of 1936 1985 Robert A. Whiting Class of 1930 1984 Dr. F. I. Van Wagnen, Jr. Class of 1935 1983 Dr. F. Jane Cotton Class of 1946 1982 Mary E. Clark Class of 1937 1981 James Ward Preston 1980 Dr. Victory E. Linden Class of 1929 1978 Captain Robert F. Freitag Class of 1937 Alumni & Donors Ways to Give Make a Gift Planned Giving Events Giving Tuesday Honors Dinner Starry Night Event Alumni Alumni Recognition Alumni Wall Crockett Distinguished Alumni Award Emerging Alumni Award Alumni Stories Employment & Education Update Contact Information Volunteer Opportunities Jackson College Foundation Board of Directors Mission Scholarships Contact the Foundation
