Awardees Exemplify Academic Excellence and Engagement
Announced at McKendree University Commencement on May 12
Lebanon, Ill. — A military wife and mom with a perfect grade point average, and the
associate dean who also teaches psychology, accepted top student and faculty awards
at McKendree University’s commencement ceremony on May 12. 
Elizabeth Gershon, ’12, a Scott Air Force Base resident, is the 2012 winner of the annual Technos International
College Prize for outstanding academic achievement and commitment to international
understanding. Sponsored by the Tanaka Ikueikai Educational Trust, which fosters multi-cultural
awareness, it is given annually to a graduating senior chosen by the faculty.
Gershon graduated with a 4.0 GPA, double majoring in English and religion. Although
she did not study abroad in college, she lived with her family in Germany for many
years and learned to speak the language. At McKendree, she studied Greek and biblical
Hebrew.
She also helped lead the campus Interfaith organization and plan its Global Community
Week activities, edited the “Montage” literary magazine, tutored in the Writing Center
and volunteered in her community and local schools. She is a member of Phi Kappa Phi
honor society and served as president of the Sigma Tau Delta international English
honor society chapter.
Gershon plans to pursue a doctoral degree and teach about religion and literature.
Dr. Tami Eggleston told herself she would try not to choke up when some of her former students received
their diplomas. However, when she was announced the winner of the 2012 William Norman
Grandy Faculty Award for the second time in her McKendree career, the tears came early
and unexpectedly. The associate dean and psychology professor is one of the university’s
most enthusiastic supporters. Faculty peers chose her once again for her commitment
as an outstanding teacher, scholar and mentor.
Eggleston, a Highland, Ill., resident, joined the faculty in 1996 and won her first
Grandy Award three years later She has a bachelor’s degree in biopsychology and psychology,
and a doctorate in social psychology. In addition to teaching, she has conducted extensive
research in sport psychology. Her expertise and skills help Bearcat athletes prepare
mentally for competition.
“Students clamor to take her courses regardless of the day or time they are offered
or the subject matter involved,” said Maria Page, Alumni Association president, as
she presented the award. “All know that she is passionate about students, about teaching
and learning, and about McKendree University. In fact, one would be hard pressed to
find another faculty or staff member who displays as much school spirit, or wears
as much purple, as Dr. Eggleston.”
She has led numerous initiatives, developed faculty workshops, coordinated assessment
and accreditation efforts, promoted the use of instructional technology, mentored
student research theses, advised student organizations and chaired search committees.
“Dr. Eggleston is a doer, a go-to person if you really want to get things done,” Page
continued. “She is dynamic, energetic, positive, caring and professional in everything
that she does.”
-McK-
