Springfield, Ohio - Thirty-two years after marching with his class to accept his diploma during Commencement ceremonies at Grand Valley State University (GVSU) in Grand Rapids Mich., Alan McEvoy will once again stand before a graduating class at that school. This time, the Wittenberg University sociology professor will be accepting the highest honor his alma mater grants an alumnus, the 2002 Distinguished Alumnus Award. McEvoy will be honored before an estimated 11,000 people Saturday, April 27.
The award was established in 1985, citing those alumni who have excelled in their chosen professions and reflected credit upon themselves, their communities and the university. The winners are selected by a panel of Directors of the Alumni Association, from a field of nominees presented by alumni, faculty, staff and friends of the university.
"Grand Valley is still a relatively young university, having begun in the late 1960's, but as our graduates make their way into the world and distinguish themselves such as Dr. Alan McEvoy, their successes strengthen the university and the credit it brings," said Kent Fisher, associate director of alumni relations at GVSU.
McEvoy, an early graduate of GVSU, class of 1970, has risen to the top of his profession as a leading expert in the field of sociology. His focus has been on sociological aspects of behavior of American youth, and he has been extensively published on such topics as social problems in schools, rape, disaster response, gang violence, child abuse and neglect, and bullying.
The author of many books about violence and victimization, McEvoy has appeared on numerous national television talk and magazine shows, and has lectured extensively to educators, human service workers and other groups throughout the country. He is the founding member and former president of the Safe Schools Coalition, a national nonprofit organization devoted to reducing violence in schools and communities.
Professor McEvoy joined the faculty of Wittenberg in 1976. He has served many community organizations including the board of directors of Big Brothers/Big Sisters, the advisory board on Police-Community Relations and he has been a chief consultant to the Clark County Suicide Prevention Task Force.
