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Cal Aggie Alumni Association

Cal Aggie Alumni Association
 

Distinguished Friend Award

Distinguished Friend Award

This award recognizes a non-alumnus(a) whose extraordinary service has advanced the university and made significant and lasting contributions to the campus. The honoree’s professional, personal, civic and philanthropic pursuits must reflect the high standards and values associated with UC Davis, the Cal Aggie Alumni Association and higher education. Specific selection criteria include 1) candidate has displayed exceptional interest, dedication and/or service to UC Davis, 2) candidate’s dedication and commitment have significantly enriched the substance and contributed to the reputation of UC Davis. This award will be given only in years when a deserving recipient is identified.

The 2013 recipient is Barbara Jackson.

Barbara Jackson of Davis is the 2013 Distinguished Friend of the University Award winner. This award recognizes a non-alum whose extraordinary service has advanced the university and made significant and lasting contributions to the campus. The honoree’s professional, personal, civic and philanthropic pursuits must reflect the high standards and values associated with UC Davis, CAAA and higher education.

Jackson holds a bachelor’s degree from University of Texas, Austin. She is a retired staff member from the UC Davis English department and wife of late UC Davis history professor Turrentine Jackson. Jackson is a major philanthropic donor and volunteer for UC Davis. Her $5 million donation to UC Davis’ Center for the Arts campaign was, at the time, the largest gift for the arts in the capital region. The Mondavi Center’s main venue, Jackson Hall, is named after Jackson and her late husband. She has been active in community activities, including University Farm Circle, Sutter Davis Hospital Auxiliary and the Embroiderers Guild of America. She is an award-winning costume designer, volunteered for local opera and theater groups, and managed the Mondavi Center gift shop.

Among her many posts are Friends of UC Davis Presents and Mondavi Center Advisory boards, and the UC Davis Foundation board. In 2008, she was awarded the UC Davis Medal, the highest tribute bestowed by the university.

Previous Recipients:

2012 Earl Wolfman, M.D.
2011 Margrit Mondavi