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Honor and Tradition
The Distinguished Alumnus Medal Honors Excellence
Established in 2016, the Distinguished Alumnus Medal is awarded to an alumnus or alumna who typifies the Northwood School tradition of excellence and has brought credit to the school through their personal accomplishment, professional achievement or humanitarian service. This is the highest honor to be bestowed upon a Northwood School graduate. The medal is awarded at a ceremony each year during Reunion at the True North dinner.
Colonel G.F. Robert Hanke ’56
Rob Hanke, a highly decorated Marine veteran, served as a regular and reserve officer for over twenty years, choosing to retire early as a young colonel. After active duty, he worked for President Gerald Ford in Congress, followed by a career on Wall Street as an attorney, financial analyst and investment banker. He then switched gears to run a successful independent film and stage company that produced an Academy Award-nominated British feature film as well as shows both on and off Broadway, and the West End in London. In addition to serving on numerous other civic, business, scholastic and foundation boards, Rob served on the Northwood School Board of Trustees for more than thirty years and was recently elevated to Trustee Emeritus. We thank him for his incredible service and leadership.
Lew Allyn ’57
Lew Allyn’s vision and leadership as a member of our Board of Trustees has shaped and inspired Northwood’s growth for over two decades. Inheriting the role that his father William ’28 held close to his heart, Lew’s dedication to Northwood is truly a family affair—a passion that he also shares with his daughter Tanya (Allyn) Dillon ’86. It’s safe to say that for every significant moment in Northwood School’s history, an Allyn family member was there. In addition to his Northwood service, Lew spends much of his time on conservation and water quality matters, serving on the Boards of the Conservancy of Southwest Florida and the Nature Conservancy, roles which he finds particularly rewarding. But of course, his most exceptional role is that of husband to Dawn and father to Tanya, Tasha, Josh and a handful of foster children, and grandfather to eight.
Nick Evans ’48
When asked for a list of his proudest accomplishments, we received from Nick a careful curated list of the interests, honors, and achievements, not of our honoree himself, but those of his wife and two children. We quickly understood — Nick’s proudest accomplishments are not his own countless awards, or honors. Much to the contrary, his proudest accomplishments are the members of his family and their cumulative achievements. For 70 years, Nick has been one of Northwood’s most loyal and generous supporters. “Looking either back or to the future, I have every reason to remain a loyal and supportive alum.”
Brad Olch ’69
Current Board Chair, Brad Olch ’69 immersed himself in the community of Park City, Utah, serving on the planning commission and city council before ultimately being elected Mayor in 1990, where he served for 12 years. During that period, Brad was pivotal in Utah’s quest to host the 2002 Olympic Winter Games, serving 10 years on the bid committee and then the organizing committee. Open space acquisition and historic perseveration were also hallmarks of his time in office. Post-Olympics, he went on to found and grow the Park City Community Foundation into a multimillion-dollar entity with broad-reaching impact in the region. Brad’s sophisticated business perspective, thoughtful insight, and constructive way of asking tough questions have helped to shape our school’s vibrant future.
THE 2020 AND 2021 DISTINGUISHED ALUMNUS MEDALS
will be presented during Reunion June 25–26, 2021.
2016
DISTINGUISHED ALUMNUS RECIPIENT
Colonel G.F. Robert Hanke ’56
2017
DISTINGUISHED ALUMNUS RECIPIENT
Lew Allyn ’57
2018
DISTINGUISHED ALUMNUS RECIPIENT
Nick Evans ’48
2019
DISTINGUISHED ALUMNUS RECIPIENT
Brad Olch ’69
