UNC Asheville recently honored some of its most outstanding alumni with the University's annual Distinguished Alumni Awards. UNC Asheville Chancellor Anne Ponder and UNC Asheville National Alumni Council Chair Neal Rhoades (Class of 1986) presented the awards at a special dinner on campus on March 27, 2008.

Mike Grace gives his acceptance speech

The Roy A. Taylor Distinguished Alumnus Award was presented to Mike Grace (Class of 1974) for his notable career as an attorney in Winston-Salem. Grace launched Grace, Holton, Tisdale & Clifton in 1981 and has earned a statewide reputation as a top litigator. Prior to opening his own practice, Grace worked as a staff attorney for Congressman Lamar Gudger and as a special assistant to the Assistant Attorney General in the U.S. Department of Justice by appointment of President Jimmy Carter.

Jim Buckner (Class of 1971) received the Thomas D. Reynolds Award for Service to the University. Buckner has served on the University's Board of Trustees, Foundation Board and National Alumni Council, which he help found. Truly passionate about their alma mater, Buckner and his wife Mary (Class of 1968), have been generous supporters of the University through their gifts and time. The couple established an endowed scholarship and regularly host alumni gatherings near their home in Atlanta.

Joye Haynes-Ganger (left) becomes emotional when Chancellor Ponder (right) presents her award

The Francine M. Delany Award for Service to the Community was presented to Joye Haynes-Ganger (Class of 1989) for dedication to health care and education in Henderson County. Founder of Whitley Home Medical, Haynes-Ganger uses her professional expertise and connections to benefit the community. She accepts donations of used home medical equipment, repairs or refurbishes it, and donates it to others in need. She is also an active member of Rotary and a volunteer at Four Seasons Hospice.

Brian Winslett (Class of 2003) was inducted into the Order of Pisgah for outstanding achievement in his professional field. Winslett co-founded Blue Ridge Biofuels, the only Western North Carolina distributor of biodiesel fuel. Winslett's company earned the 2007 Alternative Fuels Leadership Award from the North Carolina State Energy Office and the 2005 Standing Ovation Award from the Western North Carolina Regional Air Quality Agency. When not in the office, Winslett devotes his time to educating the public about the environmental benefits of switching to plant-based fuels.

In addition, the University presented the Alumni Distinguished Faculty Award to Sarah Judson, associate professor of history. Judson, who joined the faculty in 1997, has established an outstanding reputation as a professor who cares deeply about her students. Students note that she gives generously of her time out of class and credit her mentorship with guiding their careers. Judson holds a doctorate from New York University and focuses her research on 19th and 20th century U.S. history, American women and African Americans.