CHAMPAIGN/URBANA, IL -- The Champaign Urbana Schools Foundation (CUSF) announces the 2024 Distinguished Alumni Honorees. These awards recognize Unit 4 and District 116 graduates whose achievements, strength of character and citizenship serve as role models to inspire and challenge today’s youth and our community at large. Awards will be presented to Distinguished Alumni from each public high school, as well as the Local Hero and Local Business Community Impact Honorees.The 2025 Distinguished Alumni honorees are: Dr. Jennifer Lansford, Centennial High School Class of 1991, Donna Tanner-Harold and Central High School Class of 1972. The Local Business Community Impact Honoree is Brett Shaw of Shawluxe Premier Renovations, and the Local Hero Award goes to Robert Lewis.
Dr. Jennifer Lansford – Centennial HS Class of 1991 – Research Professor, Published Scientist and Editor-in-Chief
Dr. Jennifer Lansford, PhD graduated as one of the valedictorians from Centennial High School in 1991 with numerous honors and a 5.0-point average while participating in band, track, cross country, Interact, and numerous other academic and service clubs. Jennifer served as a Research Scientist at the Center for Child and Family Policy at Duke University from 2000-2008, then went on to become an Associate Research Professor in 2008. She was made a full Research Professor at the center in 2011 and continues in that position to this date. Since 2008, she has led an international team of researchers at universities in nine countries (China, Colombia, Italy, Jordan, Kenya, the Philippines, Sweden, Thailand, and the United States) studying child development and parenting in different cultural contexts. She has had 261 peer reviewed publications in professional journals, thus far, authored or edited 16 professional books, and writes a monthly blog for the magazine Psychology Today on Parenting and Culture. Jennifer was awarded Fellow of the Association for Psychological Science in 2019. In 2023, she was appointed as the Editor-in-Chief of the International Journal of Behavioral Development (IJBD). Denis Gerstorf, co-chair of the Publications Committee stated, “‘Dr. Lansford stood out as an exceptional candidate due to her highly visible and productive record of scholarship, wealth of editorial experience, history of commitment and service to IJBD, and future vision for the journal.” Dr. Jennifer Lansford demonstrates a global impact that will inspire and benefit generations to come.
Donna Tanner-Harold – Central HS Class of 1972 – Faculty Counselor, Community Leader and Social Justice Advocate
Donna Tanner-Harold is an accomplished leader, counselor, and public servant known for her dedication to empowering and guiding young people, especially in the Champaign-Urbana community. With a background in child welfare, she founded the first Treatment Foster Care program in Champaign County and has trained foster parents across Illinois. She has developed innovative programs such as a parenting and life skills course for incarcerated women, the Black Student SUCCESS Project at Parkland College, and the Black Mental Health and Wellness Conference. As a Faculty Counselor at Parkland, Donna supported students of all backgrounds, fostering academic and personal success. Her leadership extended to initiatives promoting race relations, namely co-founding “Race Talks,” a program promoting discussions for students from all racial backgrounds to discuss race in a constructive and respectful environment. Her ongoing work includes board memberships and volunteer roles in local organizations where her voice serves as a valuable asset to our community. Donna's impactful contributions across mental health, education, and community development exemplify her commitment to this community, addressing societal issues and empowering individuals to reach their potential. Donna Tanner-Harold states, “I've tried to live a life of service based on my favorite Bible verse - Matthew 5:16 which says, ‘let your light so shine that others see your good works and glorify your Father who is in Heaven.’ Jesus Christ came to serve not to be served. I want to exemplify his teaching.”
Local Business Community Impact Honoree: Shawluxe Premier Renovations - Brett Shaw
Brett Shaw, President of Shawluxe Premier Renovations and Centennial Alumnus exemplifies resilience, generosity, and service to others. Brett credits teacher Connie Brillhart with helping him through a dark time after losing his mother in high school. Her compassion and encouragement inspired him to persevere and helped to shape his commitment to uplifting others. Today, Brett lives out this commitment daily—whether transforming clients’ spaces through his business, providing opportunities for his employees to create great lives for themselves and their families, or speaking to local students about overcoming setbacks and following one’s heart. According to nominator Cathy McArthur, Brett’s impact extends to community projects like the complete renovation of the Champaign Central girls’ basketball locker room. Recognizing the inequity between the boys and girls locker rooms at Central High School, he and his team at Shawluxe went beyond a simple paint job, providing a full makeover at no cost to the boosters, athletic program or Unit 4. His dedication to giving back also stems from lifelong lessons learned through church mission trips, working on summer construction jobs, firefighter training and the ongoing support and encouragement from local leaders like Orlando Thomas, Amy Armstrong, and Marc Chagnon. Brett’s proudest moments come from serving others, whether providing opportunities to employees, investing in students, or improving the lives of those around him.