Celebrating Excellence: SIUE Honors 2025 Alumni Hall of Fame Inductees Alongside Athletics

Celebrating Excellence: SIUE Honors 2025 Alumni Hall of Fame Inductees Alongside Athletics

October 31, 2024, 4:00 PM

Southern Illinois University Edwardsville has announced the 2025 Alumni Hall of Fame inductees, honoring distinguished alumni who have made exceptional contributions in their careers, communities and to the University. This year's Alumni Association honorees are Brian J. Henry, Charles O. Myer, Christopher Larsen, DMD, Jonathan Fowler, Jacquelyn Clement, PhD, FNP, RN, and posthumous inductee Karen Morris Watkins.

The Alumni Hall of Fame recognizes graduates who exemplify leadership, character, and dedication to their fields. This year marks a special collaboration with SIUE Athletics, which recently announced its own Hall of Fame inductions. Together, they will combine into one festive celebration, marrying excellence in both academics and athletics at SIUE. The SIUE Hall of Fame Dinner and Awards Ceremony is set to take place Friday, Jan. 10, at 5:30 p.m. in the Meridian Ballroom of the Morris University Center.

Cathy Taylor, '15, Associate Vice Chancellor for University Advancement and Executive Director of Alumni and Donor Relations, elaborated on the honor of being a Hall of Fame inductee.

"The SIUE Alumni Hall of Fame is a reminder of the impact SIUE graduates continue to make across many industries and communities," said Taylor. "Our honorees exemplify leadership, integrity, and dedication, carrying the values instilled in them at SIUE into their professional and personal lives. This celebration of their achievements honors their individual contributions and strengthens the pride we all feel as members of the SIUE community. Induction into the Alumni Hall of Fame is the highest recognition we bestow, and it reflects the legacy of excellence our alumni continue to build."

Meet the 2025 Alumni Hall of Fame Inductees:

Brian J. Henry
BS Mass Communications '95, BS Political Science '95

A senior vice president and chief communications officer at CVS Health, Brian Henry has spent more than three decades as a leading communications executive. His career spans roles at major companies like 3M, Cigna and Medtronic. He is a dedicated supporter of the Department of Mass Communications, and proudly funds the Rising Communicators Scholarship that supports first-in-family students in the program.

Charles O. Myer
BS Business Administration '90

Charles "Charlie" Myer took a job as an instructor at the Edwardsville YMCA as a young adult and dedicated the entirety of his professional career to advancing the nonprofit organization's mission until his retirement in 2021. Myer served YMCA in numerous operations roles at locations across the country before transitioning to financial development where he led efforts to raise millions for the organization. He is committed to supporting his community through numerous service organizations and continues to volunteer at his local YMCA on the east coast.

Christopher Larsen, DMD
Doctor of Dental Medicine '88

Christopher Larsen is a prominent figure in the dental community, with leadership roles at the national, state and local levels. Larsen has served as president of the Illinois State Dental Society and has been actively involved in the American Dental Association. Outside of his successful dentistry practice, he and his family own a vineyard and winery-the Old Oaks Winery-in Milan, Ill.

Jonathan Fowler
BS Electrical Engineering '10

Edwardsville native and president of J.F. Electric, Jonathan Fowler, has played a key role in the growth of his family's business. He has served several organizations and advisory boards and has been recognized both individually and in part with J.F. Electric in the St. Louis Business Journal and in the inaugural class of the St. Louis Titan 100. He and his family are longtime supporters of the School of Engineering and generously aid in its advancement efforts.

Jacquelyn Clement, PhD, FNP, RN
MSN Nursing '80

Jacquelyn Clement, has dedicated more than 55 years to advancing nursing education and improving healthcare outcomes. A former assistant dean and graduate program director in SIUE's School of Nursing, Clement has left an indelible mark on nursing education through her leadership, mentorship and service to the profession.

Karen Morris Watkins
BS Elementary Education '66 (Posthumous)

Karen Morris Watkins dedicated over 29 years of her career to education both in the classroom and as an administrator. Throughout her career, Watkins was a trailblazer for African American women in both teaching and educational leadership roles. She played a key role in developing innovative curricula and programs and was a charter member of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc.'s Epsilon Xi Chapter. Watkins passed away in August 2024. She will be remembered for her commitment to making a difference in her students' lives throughout her remarkable career and extensive community involvement.

The SIUE Hall of Fame Dinner and Awards Ceremony promises to be an inspiring event, highlighting the achievements of these outstanding individuals alongside the honorees from SIUE Athletics. Tickets are available on Eventbrite.