June 4, 1997 Contact Gaye Vandermyn (541) 346-3133 EUGENE--The University of Oregon will honor three husband-and-wife teams with Presidential Medals during spring and summer commencement ceremonies this year. The Presidential Medal honors individuals who have demonstrated a commitment to higher education through their long-standing and extraordinary support. Each medal is hand-forged in solid silver and is a replica of the myrtlewood medallion worn by the university president at ceremonial occasions such as commencement. Lloyd and Sharon Powell of Kirkland, Wash., and Donald and Willie Tykeson of Eugene will receive their Presidential Medal awards at the UO's 120th commencement ceremony on Saturday, June 14, at Hayward Field, 1580 E. 15th Ave. Tom and Carol Williams of Eugene will receive their awards at the summer commencement ceremonies in August. "We are honoring these couples for their visionary investments in the University of Oregon that have helped transform this enterprise into one of the top six `rising stars' of America's best research and teaching universities," says UO President Dave Frohnmayer. "The Tykesons and Williams' appreciation for the value of great teaching in a research university," Frohnmayer says, "has translated into gifts of immeasurable value for future generations of students--support for continuing quality development in the UO's instructional program and for exceptional teaching." "Lloyd and Sharon Powell's significant contributions over the years have not only helped strengthen the academic program but also have greatly enhanced the UO's ability to play a vital role in the cultural life of our local community and state," Frohnmayer says. "Their shared vision has helped the UO build a great modern library, one of the finest athletic programs in the nation and a museum of art whose quality is nationally recognized." The Powells are active in the cattle breeding industry. Lloyd's family owned Pine Mountain Cattle Co., near Bend, until 1994, and he is the former chairman of the National Cattle Association. In addition, he is the respective former chairman and former president of the American Simmental Association and the World Simmental Federation, an association of the breeders of Simmental cattle. Lloyd, a 1955 UO graduate, played football for Len Casanova and served as a UO Foundation trustee from 1982-1992. He is a member and founding member, respectively, of the Arnold Bennett Hall Society and the UO President's Associates. Lloyd is chairman of Kirkland, Wash.-based Powell Development Co. Sharon is a former real estate agent and partner with Lloyd in property development of child care centers. Both Powells share a love of fine artwork. Lloyd has been a member of the High Desert Museum Board for 10 years and served as a trustee from 1991-1996. Sharon has served on the UO Museum of Art Council. The Tykesons established the Tykeson Deanship Endowment Fund, which finances the development of courses and teaching methods in the College of Arts and Sciences, and an endowment for a Charles H. Lundquist College of Business professorship. Don, a 1951 business graduate, is a trustee for the UO Foundation. He is a member of the Lundquist College of Business Advisory Council and a managing partner of Tykeson/Associates Enterprises, the parent company of Tykeson-affiliated businesses in the Northwest communications industry. Locally, Don serves on the Board of Trustees for the Sacred Heart Medical Center Foundation. He has demonstrated a concern for civic well-being through his involvement in the Lane County United Way and the Eugene Arts Foundation. Don is vice chairman of the National Multiple Sclerosis Society and president of the Oregon Trail Council of the Boy Scouts of America. Don is a member of the Arnold Bennett Hall Society, an organization that recognizes generous philanthropic effort, and vice chairman of the Oregon Investment Council Public Employment Retirement System. He also is a member of the Chief Executives Organization. Through funding the Williams' Council Teaching Awards, Tom and Carol Williams are helping to improve undergraduate education at the university by recognizing and rewarding the most creative efforts among educators. Tom has served as a trustee for the UO Foundation since 1989. He was a member of the Eugene City Council, chairman of KMTR-TV and a private investor and former owner of Williams Bakery. He was appointed a White House Fellow, was the director of Health-Guard Services and served as the 1995 president of the League of Oregon Cities. Carol, a founder and former comptroller at KMTR-TV, is a board member of Prevention and Recovery Northwest, a local alcohol and drug prevention and treatment agency. She is the former president of both Planned Parenthood of Lane County and the Junior League of Eugene. -30- #G-1061/Local,Special/lp