Five members of the college family were honored at Homecoming '03 by the Alumni Association Board for outstanding contributions to their fields and service to Colorado College (from left to right): Ann Hunt Hieronymus '50, Edward Ellinwood Jr. '48, Don Linger '53, David Finley, James Alan Johnson '56. At right are Gresham Riley and Brad Friedman '82.

Five alumni and professors were recognized for their contributions to CC and their professions during the Alumni Awards ceremony at Homecoming:

The Louis T. Benezet Award for outstanding achievement that has advanced one's profession or cause and improved people's lives went to:

Edward Ellinwood Jr. '48:

After earning a Ph.D. in pharmacology and toxicology from the University of Chicago in 1951, Ellinwood conducted radiation research in Los Alamos and then earned an M.D. from the University
of Colorado. He practiced medicine until 1998, receiving a patent in 1992 for developing a lung "cancer detector" that helps minimize damage to surrounding cells.

Don Linger '53:

After earning a Ph.D. in structural engineering at Iowa State, Linger specialized in radiation shelters and survivable underground facilities, tunneling and bridge design, and technology surrounding missile silos and cratering prediction. He has managed numerous programs for high explosive, nuclear, and special weapons. Currently Linger is chief scientist at the Defense Threat Reduction Agency.

The Lloyd E. Worner Award for outstanding loyalty and service to the college through support for students went to:

Ann Hunt Hieronymus '50:

Hieronymus practically grew up on campus while her father attended classes; she and her siblings also attended CC and learned the value of its unique education. Since being widowed and retiring from her late husband's business 10 years ago, she has volunteered 10,000 hours at the Tutt Alumni House, helped the college stay in touch with its alumni in a variety of ways, and personally aided a number of students who needed financial help to attend college.

The Gresham Riley Award for outstanding service and dedication to the college as a member of the faculty, administration, or staff went to:

David D. Finley:

An expert in the Soviet Union and Russia, Finley earned his Ph.D. at Stanford and joined CC's political science department in 1963; he published one book and many articles on Soviet-American relations. As dean of the college 1987 ­ 1992, he helped diversify the college's faculty and student body and also helped expand the college's study-abroad programs.

James Alan Johnson '56:

Johnson served the college as a professor of
business and economics, as registrar during the early adjustment to the Block Plan, and as its hugely successful debate coach for 38 years. The trophy awarded to the top college debater in the nation each year is named after him.