Dr. Doug Brining '88
2025 Distinguished Alumnus Award
Brining graduated from Sandburg with an associate in science in 1988. He later earned two bachelor's degrees and his doctorate from Texas A&M University. Brining holds four employment titles with the University of Texas Medical Branch at Galveston. He serves as assistant vice president for research administration (animal programs), executive director of UTMB's Animal Resources Center, attending veterinarian and assistant professor of microbiology and immunology. In addition, Brining is a diplomate of the American College of Laboratory Animal Medicine.
Craig Dickerson '17
2025 Pacesetter Award
After graduating from Sandburg, Dickerson earned his bachelor's in sales and marketing from Illinois State University. Early in his career, he set the goal of joining Verizon's Learning and Development team. Dickerson was named to Verizon's Diamond Club in 2022 and recognized as a premier senior account manager the following gear. Last September, Dickerson achieved his goal of becoming a senior trainer with the company's Learning and Development team.
2025 alumni award recipients
Dr. Doug Brining '88
2025 Distinguished Alumnus Award
Dr. Doug Brining is a dedicated leader with exemplary accomplishments that have created a profound impact. He’s given extensive time and dedication to the field of science and veterinary research while collaborating on the examination of the world’s most infectious diseases. Brining has published 40 articles, served on more than 20 committees, and has performed numerous exploratory surgical procedures.
In high school, Brining believed his counselor when told he wasn’t college material. A first-generation college student, Brining enrolled at Sandburg as a chance to meet people, but he soon realized his passion for science. Brining found himself enrolling in all science classes offered by the biology instructor who gave inspiration to his studies.
Brining graduated from Sandburg with an associate in science in 1988. Though still not convinced he was college material, Brining’s friends encouraged him to apply and continue at a four-year institution. Brining earned two bachelor’s degrees and later his doctorate from Texas A&M University. Brining now holds four employment titles with the University of Texas Medical Branch at Galveston. He serves as assistant vice president for research administration (animal programs), executive director of UTMB’s Animal Resources Center, attending veterinarian and assistant professor of microbiology and immunology. In addition to his work with UTMB, Brining is a diplomate of the American College of Laboratory Animal Medicine.
“It would be difficult for me to overstate the influence and importance that my time at Carl Sandburg College had on both my future academic and professional career,” Brining said. “Over 35 years have passed since my time there, and I’ve often shared how much I benefited by attending community college. When I started my coursework there, I truly didn’t have a specific end goal in mind and would have never imagined the journey this foundational decision would set in motion."
“At Sandburg, I developed fundamental academic skills and discovered the joy of learning for the sake of interest. I clearly remember the quality of the professors and their dedication and enthusiasm about the subjects they taught. Their excitement and passion were genuinely contagious. It was there I developed an intense interest in biology and life sciences, which led me to a career in marine biology, veterinary medicine and academic research. I’ll be forever thankful about my decision to attend and for the powerful influence that choice had on my life.”
Craig Dickerson '17
2025 Pacesetter Award
As someone who prioritizes goals and is dedicated to making them a reality, Craig Dickerson exemplifies what it means to be a pacesetter.
While a student at Sandburg, Dickerson worked as a supervisor at a local restaurant to assist with paying for college. He was also an NAACP member, participated in Relay for Life, volunteered for La Grace Hall of Hope, presented at the Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Day breakfast and was active in Men of Distinction. After graduating from Sandburg in 2017 with an associate degree, Dickerson earned his bachelor’s in sales and marketing from Illinois State University.
In 2019, Dickerson began work for Verizon as a retail specialist. Early in his career, he set the goal of joining Verizon’s Learning and Development team. Dickerson was named to Verizon’s Diamond Club in 2022 and recognized as a premier senior account manager the following year. Last September, Dickerson achieved his goal of becoming as a senior trainer with the company’s Learning and Development team. In addition to working for Verizon, Dickerson has worked at Staples, ESPN3, Scope Health & Fitness and for the Peoria County government.
“I wouldn’t be where I am or who I am today without the experiences I had during my time at Carl Sandburg College,” Dickerson said. “Being born and raised in Galesburg, you sometimes aren’t exposed to all the world has to offer or have the chance to interact with people who are vastly different from you. However, while attending Sandburg, I was able to partner, befriend and be supported by individuals from places like Scotland, Brazil, Jamaica and multiple states, giving me the opportunity to see what life was like outside of a small town and all that I could do."
“Sandburg gave me the time to mature, grow and get to know myself in a way I didn’t know possible, and for that, I will be forever grateful. I had the pleasure of taking dual credit classes while attending high school and being exposed to higher education at an early age. During this time, I knew I wasn’t quite ready to leave home. Sandburg gave me a home for the next two years until I knew I was prepared and ready to take on my undergraduate degree at Illinois State University. After graduating from ISU in 2019, I’ve been successful in climbing the corporate ladder and moving across the country to Denver. I wouldn’t have been able to accomplish all the things I have without the love and support Sandburg gave me.”
Prior alumni award recipients
Sandburg Distinguished Alumni Award
2024: Jamal Ward '00
2023: Anya Pshenychny '10
2022: Stacy Bainter '00
2021: Tina Burgland Veal '92
2020: Kiley Quinn ‘99
2019: Darci Heap ‘08
2018: Craig Willis ‘90
2017: Dr. Karmen Hopkins ‘00
2016: Robert Mason ‘72
2015: Dr. Judy Glaser ‘75
2014: Judge Thomas Keith ‘87
2013: Jim Purlee ‘70
2012: Susan Swartwout ‘87
2011: Cynthia Fitch ‘98
2010: Cynthia Kiffer '70
2009: Joshua D. Gibb ‘00
2008: Brenda Stewart Clevidence ‘89
2007: Bonnie Smith-Skripps '71
2006: Sandra Gavin ‘95
2005: Tara Miller ‘97
2004: Dave Burns ‘88
2003: Dr. Lori Sundberg ’77, ‘15
2002: Dr. Christine Baumgardner ‘88
2001: Dr. Lannie Cation ‘85
2000: Sharon Graham ‘91
1999: Linda Foster ‘85
1998: Victor Miller '83
1997: Betty Thal
1996: Rose Stockman ‘76
1995: Larry Schwartz '68
1994: Daniel Baker ‘75
1993: Ann Murdock ‘83
1992: Jan Lundeen ‘86
1991: No award given
1990: Louis Gamage '86 & Mary Louderman '86
1989: Janice Champion '77
1988: Donna Medina ‘78
1987: Gerald Strom Jr. '74
1986: John Delawder III '71
1985: Russell Orwig ‘82
1984: Daniel Bailey
1983: Jerry Latherow '71
1982: F. Dale Cozad '69
1981: Maren Kay Carlson '78
1980: Daniel Baker '75
1979: William Campbell '70
Sandburg Pacesetter Award
2024: Stephanie Saey ‘15
2023: Angel Peterson ‘16
2022: Dakota Hicks ‘17
2021: Cassandra Sherwin ‘14
2020: Becca Schwieter ‘14
2019: Kassie Karssen-Schoon ‘13
2018: Krista Winters ‘06
2017: Matthew Wolford ‘08
2016: Elvith Santoyo-McNaught ‘10
2015: Travis Nesby ‘03
2014: Trevor Davies ‘06
2013: Naomi Wai ‘01
2012: Ashley Swick ‘05
2026 Alumni Award nominations
The Illinois Community College Trustees Association's Distinguished Alumni Award and Pacesetter Award recognize the many success stories of Illinois community college students.
Nominations for the 2026 Distinguished Alumni Award and Pacesetter Award will be accepted beginning in late 2025. Prior nominee names must be submitted each year to be considered for an award. Family members and/or partners/spouses of the nominee may not submit an award nomination form.
Distinguished Alumni Award nominees are reviewed according to the following criteria:
- Completed a recognized program of instruction or attended at least 30 semester hours at an ICCTA member college (Sandburg).
- Has shown outstanding success and distinction in chosen field.
- Has humanitarian service that has proven greatly beneficial to society.
- Possesses continued interest in and support of education and community colleges.
- Demonstrated overcoming life's obstacles.
Pacesetter nominees are reviewed according to the following criteria:
- Completed a recognized program of instruction (including dual-credit courses) or attended at least 30 semester hours at an ICCTA member college (Sandburg) after June 30, 2015.
- Has shown outstanding promise and distinction in chosen career/field of study.
- Has humanitarian service that has proven greatly beneficial to society.
- Possesses continued interest in and support of education and community colleges.
- Demonstrated overcoming life's obstacles (especially those who were non-traditional students).
Direct any questions about the ICCTA Alumni Awards nomination process to Stacey Rucker at 309.341.5330.