University News
Nelson, Mabrey to Receive 2016 Town & Gown, Honorary Alumni awards, respectively
February 26, 2017
John Nelson
MACOMB, IL -- To recognize his contributions for exceptional service in continuing the partnership between Western Illinois University and the Macomb community, John Nelson, third generation owner of Nelson's Clothing, has been named the recipient of the 2016 Town & Gown Award from the WIU Alumni Association. Nelson was recognized during the Feb. 25 Men's and Women's Leathernecks Basketball games in Western Hall, and will be presented with the award at the Purple & Gold Day celebration April 24 at the Sports Corner.
Nelson began working in his father's clothing store in 1976. Now, as owner of the downtown Macomb fixture, Nelson has supported Western throughout the years. He has donated his storefront for many years for WIU Homecoming's "Paint the Town" event, and Nelson has been an avid supporter of WIU Athletics and its annual Purple and Gold event. Nelson has also been involved with the WIU Performing Arts Society (PAS), including the society's annual Gala and wine tasting events, and has attended nearly 50 special events sponsored by the University.
"John continually supports the University through gifts to the PAS, athletics, alumni association, CBT, WIUM, COFAC, Rocky on Parade and more," said Amy Spelman, director of Alumni Programs. "He has been an integral part of the WIU and Macomb communities for decades, and his family-owned store has been a staple of the town square for 80 years. John is all in when it comes to WIU and Macomb. He is a graduate of WIU who has never left home, and he gives back to the place that has given him so much. John Nelson is what this award is all about. According to one of his nominators, 'He is the voice of reason and one of Macomb's biggest cheerleaders when it comes to celebrating the city.'"
Nelson is also currently active in the Macomb community as a member of the Macomb Area Convention and Visitors Bureau and Macomb Rotary Club. He has previously served on the Macomb Area Chamber of Commerce and twice served as president of Macomb Downtown Development. He has been active in the Presbyterian Church, working with others to provide assistance for those less fortunate in the Macomb area. Nelson also supports local Cub Scout and Boy Scout troops.
Previous recipients of the Town & Gown Award include Tom Claudon (2015), Todd Lester (2014), Bill Howard (2013), Tom Carper (2012), Mick Wisslead (2011), Lin Stults (2010), Jerry Cremer (2009), John Maguire (2008) and Charles Gilbert (2007).
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Jeff Mabrey
MACOMB, IL -- Jeff Mabrey, owner of the Macomb Domino's, was recognized as the 2016 Western Illinois University Honorary Alumni Award recipient during the Feb. 25 Men's and Women's Leathernecks Basketball games in Western Hall, and will be presented with the award at the Purple & Gold Day celebration April 24 at the Sports Corner.
The Honorary Alumni Award is presented to an individual who is not a WIU graduate, but who has provided exceptional service to the WIU community.
"One of the reasons that Jeff came to Macomb 25 years ago was because of WIU," said Amy Spelman, director of Alumni Programs. "While it was a strategic move to own a franchise in a college town, during his 25-year career in Macomb, he has been dedicated to Western and this community. Jeff has been an avid supporter of, and partner with, Leatherneck Athletics, and he has contributed to such programs and activities as the Alumni Association, Radio Information Services, the College of Education and Human Services, RPTA and more throughout the years."
His career with Domino's began in 1987 in Cape Girardeau, MO. In 1990, he served as the manager of the Missouri business until he franchised his first store in Macomb that year. In addition to the Macomb franchise, Mabrey operates Domino's stores in Quincy, Hannibal, MO, and Keokuk, IA.
"While Western is certainly essential for the success of his business, Jeff has looked beyond the University as just a means of financial support. Jeff is a constant presence at WIU and in this community. He has stuck around events when things were tough. He's been there when we're winning, and he has stayed around for the years when we weren't. Most importantly, as part of the WIU and Macomb communities, in addition to supporting, he also makes us accountable. He wants to protect WIU and does what he can to try to help steer us back in the right direction when we need it," Spelman added. "As Jeff has been quoted, 'Western brings a lot to the community and adds to the quality of life for those in the region;' we could also say that Jeff Mabrey also brings a lot to this University and to this community. His commitment and dedication to WIU adds to the University's quality of life.
Mabrey is a member of the Leatherneck Athletic Club and has served as a president of the club's board. He has been a longtime season ticket-holder for athletics and is a member of Leatherneck Advisory Council and the Purple and Gold Auction committee, and he continually donates product from Domino's or gives large discounts to departments on campus.
In the community, Mabrey has been a supporter of the Macomb Bomber Boosters and a member of the Macomb Area Convention and Visitor's Bureau Board. He has served as president of Macomb Little League for seven years and as a member of the Little League Board for 13 years, and is also a member of the Macomb Chamber of Commerce. Mabrey has also coached Little League and Macomb Basketball Association teams.
He has received the Domino's Pizza Gold Franny Award and has been named the Domino's Pizza Franchisee of the Year for Illinois.
This is the 21st year for the WIU Honorary Alumni Award presentation. Previous recipients were Garry Johnson (2015); John Biernbaum (2014); Dan O'Neill (2013); Lisa Ward (2012); Al Goldfarb (2011); Gil Belles and Marion Blackinton (2010); Bob Anstine (2009); Jack Stites (2008); Bill Brattain (2007), Marilyn Johnson (2005); Donald Dexter (2004); Mark Martin (2003); Mel and Judy Kerr (2002); Charlene Callison (2001); Ed Holzwarth (2000); Donald S. Spencer (1999); Laura Kent Donahue (1998); Cathy Early (1997); Dick Miller (1995) and Dennis Iversen (1994).
Posted By: University Communications (U-Communications@wiu.edu)
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