Bradley Staff, Faculty, and Alumni Recognized at 2026 Founder’s Day Celebration

October 16, 2026

On Founder’s Day—Friday, October 16, 2026—several staff, faculty, and alumni were presented with awards for their outstanding service and dedication to Bradley University and its students.
The recipients were recognized for carrying on the traditions of our founder Lydia Moss Bradley.

CENTURION SOCIETY INDUCTEES

Calvin Butler ’91

Butler is one of the nation’s most respected corporate and civic leaders. As president and chief executive officer of Exelon, he leads one of the country’s largest utility companies, serving nearly 11 million electric and natural gas customers across six states and the District of Columbia. Throughout his distinguished career, Calvin has also provided leadership to numerous corporate, educational and nonprofit organizations, earning national recognition for his impact in business and public service. A lifelong champion of Bradley University, Calvin has served as a member and chair of the Bradley University Board of Trustees, president of the Bradley University Alumni Association and a dedicated mentor to countless students and alumni. His extraordinary professional achievements, visionary leadership and unwavering commitment to Bradley make him a deserving member of the Bradley University Centurion Society.

 

Sister Judith Ann Duvall ’82

For more than 60 years, Sister Judith Ann has dedicated her life to serving others through faith, healthcare and leadership. A registered nurse by training, she earned her Bradley degree in business management and administration before serving in numerous leadership roles with the Sisters of the Third Order of St. Francis, including 18 years as Major Superior. She also chaired the OSF HealthCare Board of Directors during a period of significant growth, helping expand access to compassionate, high-quality healthcare while advancing innovation and leadership development across the region. Today, she serves as vice president of Strategic Mission Alignment for OSF HealthCare’s Central Region. Through her unwavering commitment to service, humility and mission, Sister Judith Ann has transformed lives, strengthened communities and brought great distinction to Bradley University.

 

Gregg Holst ’80

Holst has enjoyed a distinguished career as a business executive, mentor and philanthropist while remaining deeply committed to Bradley University. An electrical engineering graduate, Gregg spent more than four decades leading industrial automation companies as a president, chief operating officer and chief executive officer, earning a reputation for visionary leadership and organizational growth. His impact on Bradley has been equally significant. For more than 15 years, he has served on the University’s Engineering Advisory Council—now the Business & Engineering Advisory Council—and played a key role in advancing the Business & Engineering Convergence Center. Together with his wife, Kathi ’80, Gregg has generously supported Bradley through philanthropy, mentorship and volunteer leadership, helping prepare future generations of students for success while strengthening the University for years to come.

 

ALUMNI AWARDS

Distinguished Alumni Award

• Sister Judith Ann Duvall, O.S.F. ‘82

Francis C. Mergen Award for Public Service                                

• Dr. Sokonie Reed, Assistant Professor in Residence, Nursing

Lydia Moss Bradley Award

• Polly Barton

Outstanding Young Graduate Award

• Nick Swiatkowski ’12

 

FACULTY AND STAFF AWARDS

Advance BU Award for Inclusive Excellence

• Dr. Cyle Metzger, Assistant Professor, Art and Design

Caterpillar Faculty Achievement Award for Scholarship

• Dr. Sherif Abdelfattah, Assistant Professor, Computer Science and Information Systems

Caterpillar Faculty Achievement Award for Teaching

• Dr. Anant Deshwal, Assistant Professor, Biology

Caterpillar Professorship Award

• Dr. Devin Murphy, Professor, English

First Year Faculty Award

• Dr. Anyssa Murphy, Assistant Professor, English

Putnam Award for Excellence in Teaching

• Dr. Kelly McConnaughay, Professor, Biology

Samuel Rothberg Professional Excellence Award

• Dr. Jeff Bakken, Professor, Education

Staff Excellence Awards

• Jennifer Hughes, Accounts Payable and Purchasing Manager, Financial Services
• Robert Greiner, Access Services, Billing, and Music Resources Coordinator, Cullom-Davis Library