Outstanding Alumni to Be Honored

Each year, Lewis & Clark honors alumni from the College of Arts and Sciences for their outstanding accomplishments and community service. We’re proud to announce the 2011 honorees, who will receive their awards at the Alumni Honors Banquet on February 19.

Distinguished Alumnus: Matt Wuerker BA ’79

Matt Wuerker is a political cartoonist and illustrator based in Washington, D.C., where he is on staff with the newspaper/website Politico. Over his 30-year career, his cartoons have been published in a wide range of national newspapers and magazines. A two-time finalist for the Pulitzer Prize, he won the Herblock Prize for editorial cartooning in 2010.

Outstanding Young Alumna: Naomi Pomeroy BA ’97

Naomi Pomeroy, owner of Beast in Portland, is a rising culinary star. In 2008, she was named Chef of the Year by Portland Monthly, and Beast was named Restaurant of the Year by the Oregonian. The following year, Food & Wine named her one of the 10 Best New Chefs in America. And in 2010, she was a finalist for a James Beard Award for Best Chef–Pacific Northwest.

Donald G. Balmer Citation (for service to the college): Greg Caldwell

Greg Caldwell joined the Lewis & Clark community in 1976, when he took a position teaching English as a second language. Since 1984, he has led the International Students and Scholars office, where he supports Lewis & Clark’s international students and Third-Culture Kids (TCKs).

Pioneer Alumni Leadership Award: Jack Venables BS ’56 and Bill Akers BS ’67

Jack Venables (at right in photo) has been the primary announcer for Pioneer athletics for decades—more than 35 years for football and 25 years for basketball. In support of the college, he has served on both the Alumni Board and the Albany Society Board.

Bill Akers has worked in the Pioneer football press box, where he operates the game clock and helps spot players, for more than 30 years. Until 2008, he had worked in a similar capacity for Pioneer men’s and women’s basketball. Akers has served on the Alumni Board and on committees for the Sports Hall of Fame, Pioneer Athletic Club, and PAC golf tournament.

To see a list of past honorees and to nominate an alumnus or alumna for an award or citation, visit Alumni Honors Program.