Jackson College annual awards recognize service, dedication to community
May 5, 2025
Jackson College is pleased to announce the recipients of annual alumni, service and student awards for the 2024-25 school year. Honorees were recognized at the Jackson College Honors dinner program on Friday evening.
Dr. Ethelene Jones Crockett Distinguished Alumni Award – Barbara Markowski ’70
Barbara “Barb” Markowski, a lifelong Jackson resident, has dedicated her life to education, entrepreneurship and community service.
After earning degrees from Jackson Community College (1970) and Western Michigan University (1972), she taught home economics and later opened and operated Hearts All Around Quilt Shop (1983-1999). Her service includes leadership at St. Paul’s Episcopal Church, creating a program bringing inner-city children to Lake Michigan, teaching literacy, and extensive volunteer work at SOAR Café and Farms.
For more than eight years, Barb has volunteered with the Jackson College Heritage Center, bringing her expertise to various projects including quilt-making, puzzles, scrapbooks, and veterans’ Christmas tree initiatives. Upon learning of this honor, she responded: “I’m just overwhelmed and truly humbled. I just do my work out there because I love it. This is a total surprise to me.”
Distinguished Service Award – Frank Dick (presented posthumously)
Frank Dick, a decorated World War II veteran and Purple Heart recipient, made significant contributions across education and business in Ohio and Michigan. Starting as Ohio’s youngest mayor at 21, he led multiple school districts before becoming president and CEO of Gleaner Life Insurance Society from 1979-2000.
Following his military service, he earned both bachelor’s and master’s degrees from Bowling Green State University, later receiving honorary doctorates from the University of Findlay, Bowling Green State University, and Adrian College.
His extensive community service included board positions with many educational, healthcare, and economic development organizations. With his wife Shirley, he established charitable funds and scholarships that continue to support academic excellence. Receiving on behalf of the family was Sue Hammersmith, a family friend.
Distinguished Service Award – John Crist ‘66
Giving back to his community is especially important to John Crist, exemplified by a dedicated record of service. John is a Jackson Community College alumnus who later earned a business degree from Ferris State University. His career spanned nearly 20 years as president/CEO of CP Federal Credit Union, and 29 years at Consumers Energy before that.
He served on the Jackson College Board of Trustees for nearly two decades until 2024. Crist also chaired the Michigan Community College Association (2019-2020), serves on the Jackson College Foundation, and established the Crist Family Scholarship.
His extensive community service includes leadership roles with United Way, March of Dimes, Lions Club, Kiwanis, and several other organizations.
Community service has always been close to his heart. “Community to me is where I live, where my family lives. I think it’s very important to give back to this community anything it has given to me, and it has given a lot to me,” he shares. “Community service is very important in my life, and most of my family understand the importance of community service.”
Captain Zenneth A. Pond Emerging Alumni Award – Candyce McArthur ’09
Jackson College proudly recognizes Candyce McArthur ’09 for her professional excellence and community service.
McArthur earned her Associate of Science degree from Jackson College before continuing her studies with a bachelor’s degree in finance from Central Michigan University and an MBA from Spring Arbor University, where she graduated with honors. As North America People & Culture Partner at Dawn Foods Global, she focuses on employee engagement and organizational development.
She actively contributes to her community through the Leadership Jackson Alumni Network and the Michigan Motor Sports Hall of Fame Board of Directors.
“Community service is deeply important to me,” said Candyce. “I’ve always been aware that not everyone has access to certain opportunities, and that’s made me realize how crucial it is to serve others.”
George Potter Student of the Year Award – Kaylona Butler ’25
Kaylona Butler, a sophomore from Toledo, Ohio, has excelled at Jackson College as both a student and athlete. She is involved in numerous campus activities, including resident assistant, Sisters of Strength (SOS), student recruiter, Writing Fellow, and the Heritage Center. A pivotal member of the women’s basketball team, helping them reach Nationals in her freshman year and earning the MCCAA Player of the Year title this season.
A Business Administration major, Butler graduates this May with an Associate of Applied Science degree. She credits her Christian faith for her success. Butler plans to transfer to complete her bachelor’s degree while continuing her basketball career.
She is honored and excited to receive this award. “I’m passionate about what I do, and it encourages me when all the hard work you put in is recognized. At the end of the day, I thank God for it.”
