John Brown University Search Button
  • Academics
  • Admissions
  • Tuition & Cost
  • Student Life
  • About

What are you looking for?

John Brown University Nav Search

be recognized.

Alumni Awards & Recognition

JBU alumni are serving God and others in their chosen profession all over the world. Each year JBU recognizes exemplary alumni at Homecoming.

2023 Award Winners

""

Ebony Mitchell '22

Young Eagle Award

Ebony used her platform as Miss Arkansas 2022 to educate children and parents on how to be safe online to make the state of Arkansas a safer place. In 2022, she launched a social impact initiative called “A Responsible Digital You” and authored the children’s book “Ebby Teaches Online Safety.” Ebony graduated with a Master of Business Administration degree.

""

Jeff Soderquist ’93

Career Achievement Award

Jeff Soderquist has completed 26 seasons at the helm of the women's basketball program at John Brown and has spent the previous 18 years as an Assistant Athletics Director in the department. As the winningest coach in program history, Coach Soderquist has guided the Golden Eagles to six trips to the NAIA National Championships and one Fab Four appearance in 2014. Soderquist has produced two players that paced the program record book in career points and coached three SAC Freshman of the Year picks. 

""

Gil Weaver ’52

Christian Ministry Award

Dr. Weaver taught in the Biblical Studies department at JBU after initially being hired to teach engineering in 1960. He taught New Testament Greek, Christian education and philosophy. Additionally, during his 35 years of service at JBU, Dr. Weaver facilitated the electronics lab, and chaired the Biblical studies division. Dr. Weaver is a member of the JBU Faculty Hall of Fame.

""

Jan and Terri Wubbena, Music Ed.

Christian Service Award

Jan and Terri have a combined 82 years of service to JBU in the Music Department. Jan, a Music Theory professor for 40 years and Terri, a professor of Music Education for 42 years. Jan taught numerous classes in the music department as well as played the organ for our Christmas Candlelight Services. Terri taught Music Education and served as the Department Chair. Jan and Terri both retired from JBU and are in the JBU Faculty Hall of Fame. 

""

Dave '87 and Leslie LeVan '87

Outstanding Alumni

Dave and Leslie LeVan have a history and a heart for entrepreneurship and nonprofits. The LeVans founded the Advantax Group in 1995, a property tax consulting firm serving all 50 states. In 2007, the LeVans founded Harriette Song Charitable Foundation, a charitable foundation dedicated to creating opportunities for impoverished children. Currently, Dave is the CEO of Lifewater International, working to end the global water and sanitation crisis in rural parts of the world. Leslie serves the Scott Family Amazeum as the Guest Services Team Lead in Bentonville, Arkansas. Dave and Leslie met at JBU and have one son, Tyler. David served on the JBU Alumni Board for a number of years and currently serves on the JBU Board of Trustees.

Award Criteria

Outstanding Alumnus(a) of the Year
  • Graduated from JBU at least 10 years prior
  • Reflect the Christian standards and ideals of JBU in public and private life
  • Attained outstanding occupational achievement, or have a record of accomplishments that are impressive or noteworthy
  • Demonstrates leadership in Christian and secular communities
  • Demonstrates loyalty to and interest in JBU
  • Is a loyal supporter of JBU
  • Available to attend Homecoming to receive the award
Career Achievement Award (Head)
  • Graduated from JBU at least 20 years prior
  • Displays leadership, responsibility, and expertise in his/her profession
  • Personal lifestyle exhibits exemplary character
  • Has achieved considerable feats in his/her field of expertise or profession
  • Is a loyal supporter of JBU
  • Available to attend Homecoming to receive the award
Christian Ministry Award (Heart)
  • Currently in or has been in full-time Christian ministry
  • Obtained an undergraduate or graduate degree from JBU
  • Supports and upholds the JBU principles
  • Reflects obedience and dedication to Christ in every facet life
  • Exhibits integrity, spiritual maturity, stature
  • If the person is a missionary, they do not have to be present to accept the award, but a family member should be there in the recipient’s place
  • When the achievement of a married couple is so integrated and dependent upon another’s service, they will receive a combined award. They may also be considered individually, each receiving their own award.
Christian Service Award (Hand)
  • Longevity of service and type of contribution should be considered
  • May NOT have obtained a degree from JBU, however, must have served JBU in some manner (faculty or staff)
  • Life and conduct reflects Christian character based on Biblical principles
  • When the achievement of a married couple is so integrated and dependent upon another’s service, they will receive a combined award. They may also be considered individually, each receiving their own award.
  • The recipient(s) must be present to accept the award if still living, otherwise, a family member may accept the award.
Young Eagle Award
  • Graduated from JBU 10 calendar years or less, prior to the Fall Homecoming date.
  • Professional and personal development and achievement
  • University and community service

Nominate an Individual

Nominate someone for alumni recognition using the form below. For more information on the awards, see the criteria.

If your nominee doesn’t receive an award this year, they will be considered each year thereafter, so you only have to submit their name once.  There is no guarantee, however, that your nomination will receive an award.
Apply Now
Request Info

John Brown University

2000 W. University St., Siloam Springs, AR 72761
479-524-9500 jbuinfo@jbu.edu

Apply Now
Request Info
""

Undergraduate

Online Undergraduate

Graduate

Athletics

Parents

Alumni

Giving

About

Resources

Policy Information

John Brown University

2000 W. University St., Siloam Springs, AR 72761

479-524-9500 jbuinfo@jbu.edu

""

JBU does not unlawfully discriminate based on race, color, national or ethnic origin, sex, age, disability, marital status, military status, or age in the administration of its educational policies, admissions, financial aid, employment, educational programs, or activities.

John Brown University is a leading private Christian university, training students to honor God and serve others since 1919. Arkansas’ top-ranked university (The Wall Street Journal) and top-ranked regional university (U.S. News), JBU enrolls more than 2,200 students from 37 states and 42 countries in its traditional undergraduate, graduate, online and concurrent education programs. JBU offers more than 50 undergraduate majors, with top programs including nursing, psychology, construction management, graphic design, family and human services, and engineering. Eighteen graduate degrees are available in business, counseling, cybersecurity, and education.

Copyright 2024 John Brown University. All rights reserved.
)}}