University News

The University of Memphis Alumni Association will, on April 22, bestow its highest honor - a Distinguished Alumni Award - on three recipients for what they've made of themselves … and a Distinguished Friend Award on another for what he's made of the School of Music.

Marla Johnson Norris (BA, '81), CEO and founder of internationally-renowned multimedia design and consulting firm Aristotle and James Thomas "Tom" Watson (BBA '70), president of Armstrong Relocation, will be honored as Distinguished Alumni, local philanthropist Rudi E. Scheidt as Distinguished University Friend and Jon McGlothian (MBA, '97), a U.S. Army veteran and director with the New York Times, as Outstanding Young Alumnus at a black tie gala inside the hangar at the Wilson Air Center. Themed "Into the Blue," the University's event of the year will see the honorees taxied in on jets, wait staff dressed in flight jumpsuits, first-class cuisine and live music. Some of those in attendance may even choose to mingle inside one of six jets that will be on site. A silent auction will kick off the event at 6:30 p.m., to be followed by dinner and the program at 7:30.

"Throughout the past nine decades, alumni of the University of Memphis have distinguished themselves in a variety of ways," said University of Memphis President Shirley Raines. "All of us who are associated with the University of Memphis are very proud of Marla Johnson Norris, Tom Watson, Rudi Scheidt, and Jon McGlothian. I offer them my sincere congratulations."

Prior recipients include real estate developer Avron Fogelman (1987), former Commercial Appeal Editor and President Angus McEachran (1988), Memphis Mayor W.W. Herenton (1989), Methodist Healthcare CEO Gary Shorb (1991), former Shelby County Mayor Jim Rout (1995), Senator Fred Thompson (1996), the late Willard Sparks (1996), current Shelby County Mayor A C Wharton (1996), Dr. Benjamin Hooks (1999), St. Louis Rams wide receiver Isaac Bruce (2000), the late Kemmons Wilson (2002) and former Tiger basketball great Elliot Perry (2002).

Reservations are available by calling 678-3119 or 800-678-8729.

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