Three graduates of the College of Liberal Arts and Sciences-a renowned molecular biologist, a "people's judge," and a Nobel Peace Prize nominee-have been named winners of the 2006 University of Illinois Alumni Achievement Award. The award, established in 1957, is the highest honor given to alumni who have attained outstanding success in their chosen profession, business, or life's work.
Susan L. Lindquist, a 1971 graduate in microbiology, won the award for her contributions and leadership in molecular biology. She is the first female director of the Whitehead Institute for Biomedical Research at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology.
Lindquist's research focuses on how the incorrect folding of proteins can be inherited, resulting in disorders such as cystic fibrosis and Alzheimer's disease. Discover magazine named Lindquist one of the Top Fifty Most Important Women in Sciences-just one of her many honors.
The molecular biologist is known for her bold and creative thinking, her drive to integrate research among several disciplines and, as one scientist described it, "the elegance and diversity of her experimental approaches."
John W. McDonald, a 1994 Nobel Peace Prize nominee, received his bachelor's degree in political science in 1943 and a juris doctor degree in law in 1946-both from the U. of I. During his 40-year career as a diplomat, he was appointed ambassador twice each by presidents Carter and Reagan to represent the United States at various United Nations world conferences.
McDonald has also written numerous books on negotiation and conflict resolution and has served as a professor of law. He is currently chairman and co-founder of the Institute for Multi-Track Diplomacy, which focuses on national and international ethnic conflicts.
Eugene N. Hamilton received the University of Illinois Alumni Humanitarian Award, which was created in 2001 to recognize individuals who had improved and enriched the lives of others and the welfare of humanity.
Known as "the people's judge," Hamilton served as chief judge of the Superior Court of the District of Columbia. By day, he ruled on the bench, and by night he created community programs to attack the roots of judicial problems-such as juvenile delinquency. Hamilton also created many programs within the court system, including a domestic violence unit and a special juvenile drug court.
Hamilton graduated from the U. of I. with a degree in general curriculum in 1955 and a juris doctor degree from the College of Law in 1959. He and his wife, Virginia David Hamilton, a 1958 graduate of LAS at U. of I., have parented nine biological children and more than 40 foster youth.
These three LAS alumni received the University's thanks for their outstanding achievements at this year's commencement ceremonies in Champaign.
