More than 412 years of service were represented in person at Jacksonville University’s inaugural Society of Trustees induction. Presided over by Chairman Matt Kane ’01, the celebration honored the contributions of former trustees with the Jacksonville University Medallion of Merit.
The event drew a generous turnout, with more than 100 guests in attendance, including 40 former trustees alongside current trustees. Former board chairs Mike Cascone, Fred Pruitt, Ron Autrey and Jamie Shelton attended, along with the families of Bob Shircliff, John Donahoo Sr. and Jack Quaritius.
“The Society of Trustees represents an esteemed group of individuals who are the cornerstone of our university’s history and have been a catalyst for progress, leadership, development, alumni engagement and strategic vision,” said Chairman Kane ’01. “Their legacy is woven into the fabric of our institution, and this recognition is our way of celebrating the exceptional achievement and the lasting impact they have made.”
Inductees included:
*to indicate former board chairman
· *Jamie Shelton
· Andy Abate
· Jason Altmire
· John Anderson
· *Patty Anderson (accepting for Jack Quaritius)
· *Ron Autrey ’01
· Ashley Bouthillet ’27 (accepting for Dr. Fran Kinne)
· Alvin Brown ’85, EMBA ’89
· *Mike Cascone ’65
· Margaret Dees ’86
· Gary Flower ’82
· Ron Foster EMBA ’85
· Mike Freed ’90
· Peter Ghiloni
· Artis Gilmore ’71
· John Godfrey
· Danielle & Juliet Payne (accepting for Tim Payne)
· John Harrison ’67
· *Alden Howell (accepting for Bob Shircliff)
· Michael Howland ’76, P’18
· Bev Keigwin (accepting for Jack Keigwin)
· Lawrence Kurzius P’12
· Robert Leverock ’86
· Margot Moran ’22, P’10, P’13 (accepting for Andy Moran ’78)
· Denise & Sean Nelson (accepting for Greg Nelson)
· Ann Nimnicht P’90, GP’27
· Lee Nimnicht ’90, P’27 (accepting for Billy Nimnicht ’63)
· Frank Pace ’73
· Herb Peyton ’51
· Gil Pomar GP ’18
· *Fred Pruitt ’69, EMBA ’85, P’09
· George Scanlon
· Greg Smith
· Tom Torres ’67
· Capt. Matt Tuohy ’75, EMBA ’03
· Dr. Marvin Wells ’73, P’13
· Lisa Strange Weatherby
· *Kimmie Winston P’24 (accepting for Jim Winston)
“These are the individuals who helped guide Jacksonville University through some of its most pivotal chapters — people who didn’t just sit on a board but who rolled up their sleeves, made bold decisions and shaped our path forward,” said Jacksonville University President Tim Cost. “This society is a reflection of our enduring gratitude and a reminder that great universities are built by great people willing to lead with conviction.”
The evening was filled with reflections on the trustees' contributions over the years. Former board chairman Jamie Shelton accepted the first medallion of the evening and the invitation to chair the newly formed Society of Trustees.
“We’re so grateful to Jamie Shelton for helping reconnect with this group of trustees,” said Lauren Griffith, senior director of external engagement. “It was incredibly moving to be surrounded by so many who share such a deep history of service to the university. The university is a better place because of our long-term board members.”
Jacksonville University looks forward to continuing this tradition and celebrating the exceptional achievements of its trustees for years to come. To view more photos from the Society of Trustees induction, click here.
