The 2008 University of Illinois Alumni Association Recipients:

University of Illinois Alumni Achievement Award
Given for outstanding success and national or international distinction in one’s business, profession or life’s work.

W. Dudley Johnson ’53 COM, MD ‘55
Founder and Surgeon, W. Dudley Johnson Heart Care Center

A recognized leader in the field of cardiac care and research, Dr. W. Dudley Johnson pioneered a number of innovative practices and procedures throughout his distinguished medical career. His expertise is valued worldwide: He has lectured in more than 40 nations and has performed demonstration surgeries in nine countries. In addition to his work at the W. Dudley Johnson Heart Care Center (which he founded in Brookfield, Wis.), Johnson is vice president of the Wisconsin Cardiovascular and Health Services Foundation.

Roger Shiffman ’75 CBA
President and CEO, Zizzle

One of the toy industry’s most innovative minds, Roger Shiffman is the man behind the Furby and Giga Pets sensations. Shiffman has also dedicated time to working with students and helped develop UIC’s Interdisciplinary Product Development curriculum, which brings teams of students together to solve product development problems across academic lines. In an effort to give back to his community, he serves as president of the Shiffman Family Foundation, which supports non-profit organizations in the Chicago area.

Sandra M. Webb-Booker, BSN ’76, MS ’80 NURS
Colonel, United States Army Reserves
Commander, 801st Combat Support Hospital

Colonel Sandra M. Webb-Booker is the first nurse to serve as commander of the 801st Combat Support Hospital. She provides supervision and leadership for more than 500 personnel. In her civilian life, she serves as coordinator for the Chicago Public Schools Practical Nursing Program, where she oversees the only federally accredited practical nursing program in the City of Chicago and the Pharmacology/Medical Administration program for post-graduate students.  

University of Illinois Distinguished Service Award
Given for extraordinary commitment, dedication and service to the advancement of the University of Illinois.

Stephen J. Sinclair
Chief Operating Officer and Principal, Northbrook Energy

Stephen J. Sinclair has proven himself to be a great friend to UIC through his dedicated service to the University. In 1997, Sinclair was one of three founding members of the Gastrointestinal and Liver Diseases (GILD) Council, which has raised more than $1.4 million in support of UIC’s College of Medicine. In his position as chief operating officer at Northbrook Energy, a Chicago-based power company, Sinclair is responsible for its finance and acquisition activities.

University of Illinois Alumni Humanitarian Award
Given to alumni who, through outstanding involvement and dedication, have made a significant contribution of leadership or service that has improved or enriched the lives of others and the welfare of humanity.

Prerna Mona Khanna, MD ‘91
Contributing Medical Editor, KTVT CBS 11 News, Dallas, Texas

A triple board-certified medical doctor and Emmy award-winning medical journalist, Prerna Mona Khanna (popularly known as “Dr. Mona”), has dedicated herself to increasing health literacy through mass media education. Khanna has also spent the last decade providing and promoting emergency medical services through her volunteer efforts with humanitarian agencies worldwide. Her disaster deployments have included Hurricane Katrina, Ground Zero and the Indian Ocean tsunami aftermath. For her leadership in empowering people throughout the world through her television, radio, magazine and online health reports, Khanna has received more than 40 honors and awards in the past five years.

UIC City Partner Award
Given to alumni who have moved on from UIC to contribute to the vitality of the Chicago metropolitan area in a special way.

Lauri Alpern, MUPP ’86
Partner, ROI Ventures

Countless citizens in the Chicago area have benefitted from the efforts of Lauri Alpern, who has spent the past 20 years creating and implementing community and economic development programs and partnerships through government agencies, universities and non-profit groups. In her role as partner in ROI Ventures, Alpern develops results-oriented strategic plans for a variety of non-profit organizations and institutions. Alpern’s accomplishments also include her work with UIC’s Great Cities Institute (GCI), where she served as associate director for 13 years. GCI establishes University and community partnerships in the areas of community development, education, health and public policy.

Carol Estwing Ferrans, MS ’82 NURS, PHD ’85 NURS
Deputy Director, UIC Center for Population Health and Health Disparities

Carol Estwing Ferrans, UIC College of Nursing Professor and Associate Dean for Research, has conducted studies focusing on quality of life and minority issues in health care for more than 20 years. In her active research program, Dr. Ferrans studies the effects of illness and treatment on quality of life in cancer, cardiac disease and other chronic illnesses. She serves as chair for the Metropolitan Chicago Breast Cancer Task Force, which is charged with finding solutions to the racial divide in early detection and treatment of breast cancer. Ferrans currently serves as deputy director of the UIC Center for Population Health and Health Disparities.

Robert (Bob) Howard ’69 CBA
President and CEO, Boys & Girls Clubs of Chicago

In his role as president and CEO of the Boys & Girls Clubs of Chicago (BGCC), Robert (Bob) Howard dedicates himself to ensuring that the organization lives up to its mission to help boys and girls from disadvantaged circumstances realize their potential. Under his positive leadership, the organization has improved its financial performance and revitalized its volunteer leadership. An active member of the community, Howard also donates his time to several other groups, including the UIC College of Business Alumni Association Board of Directors.  

UIC Corporate Partner Award
Recognizes corporations that have a significant impact on the campus and/or the lives of alumni and students by assisting in the advancement, growth and/or development of UIC, especially as their involvement directly impacts students and alumni.

Motorola Inc.