Appreciation radiates throughout alumni awards celebration
Pictured above (l-r): Devon Sharpe ‘13, Charles Stewart ’63, Deby Grosskopf Dihoff ’73, Okletey Wilson-Tei ‘09, Adam Clevenger ‘05 and President Lake Lambert
Appreciation for the Hanover College experience radiated throughout a special event as Hanover’s highest alumni honors were presented to five graduates during a ceremony to kick off Hanover’s 95th-annual Homecoming celebration.
Deby Grosskopf Dihoff ’73 and Charles Stewart ’63 received the Alumni Achievement Award. Adam Clevenger ‘05, Okletey Wilson-Tei ‘09 and Devon Sharpe ‘13 each accepted the Distinguished Young Alumni Award during the ceremony, held Friday, Oct. 7, at the J. Graham Brown Campus Center.
Each honoree, while making comments after receiving their award, offered gratitude to their families, friends and members of the campus community who mentored, offered encouragement and fostered opportunities to succeed during their years on campus and beyond.
Dihoff, who resides in Chapel Hill, N.C., served as a mental health professional for 40 years. Stewart, from Urbana-Champaign, Ill., has worked in academia for more than 50 years as an educator, administrator, author and consultant.
“These achievement awards are emblematic,” stated Stewart. “There are many, many Hanover graduates who have produced remarkable results and done remarkable things in their professions or their professional societies and in their communities. These awards are for them, as well as those of us who happen to have been selected to stand up here and take the honor.”
Clevenger, an Indianapolis resident, has more than 15 years of leadership in nonprofit fundraising and philanthropy. Wilson-Tei, who lives in Fort Mill, S.C., has worked as a corporate and individual strategist, trainer and motivator. Sharpe is an attorney and community advocate in Madison, Ind.
“I came to Hanover as a first-generation student. I came to campus unaware of the transformative opportunity that lay ahead,” stated Clevenger, who credited numerous members of the College community for their role in his future success. “Everyone I mentioned saw potential in me that I did not see in myself. Pell Grants, work study and generations of donors made my education possible. Initially, I felt indebted to these folks for this incredible gift, but I’ve become emboldened by their example and devoted my career and life to ensuring that all kids, adults and families have the help that I once received.”
The Alumni Achievement Awards, presented annually since 1960, recognize graduates who have enhanced the reputation of the College by making significant contributions to their community, state or nation through professional service, public service and/or civic activities.
The Distinguished Young Alumni Awards have been presented annually since 2013. The honor celebrates graduates under the age of 40 and recognizes alumni who have enhanced the reputation of the College through their outstanding professional achievements, personal accomplishments or their loyal service to their alma mater.
