Each year the College of Liberal Arts and Sciences recognizes a handful of its alumni for their outstanding accomplishments. These individuals, who were nominated by fellow alumni, are inspirations because of what they have accomplished in their lives and the honor they bring to their degree.
We think they represent the best in all of us. As always, we are proud of our alumni.
Rachel Galun, Alumni Achievement
PhD '55, Entomology
Rachel Galun, described as a "fearless woman," has been to Africa more than 60 times, fighting tropical illnesses transmitted by mosquitoes, ticks, and tsetse flies. She is a world-renowned expert on blood-feeding insects and helped establish the International Centre of Insect Physiology and Ecology in Nairobi, Kenya. (Not pictured.) Read More.
David A. Matthews, Alumni Achievement
PhD '71, Chemistry
At the height of the AIDS epidemic, David Matthews became the scientific founder of Agouron Pharmaceuticals—a company that would go on to develop one of the most effective drugs to battle the HIV virus. His technique for drug development became a model for many pharmaceutical companies. Read More.
Margaret E. Kosal, Recent Graduate
PhD '01, Chemistry
It didn't take long for Margaret Kosal to emerge as one of the nation's leading young experts on chemical and biological defense. She has even spoken to the chiefs of the New York City Fire Department on terrorism and has become an authority on how emerging technologies, such as nanotechnology, might be used for both terrorism and counterterrorism. Read More.
Dorothy DiIorio, Distinguished Service
BA '49, Spanish
Honorable. Gracious. Dependable. Curious. Fun. Dorothy DiIorio lives up to all of the descriptions of her character. As a former LAS Alumni Board member, a tireless advocate for the college, and a generous contributor, her service to LAS and the Urbana campus has been incalculable. Read More.
