UIAA honors dedicated couple for Distinguished Service Award
The University of Illinois Alumni Association has named Jim and Marlene Evans the 2024 recipients of the UIAA Distinguished Service Award, which recognizes alumni accomplishments and service throughout their lives. A slate of eight alumni awards in six categories were presented on Sept. 12, 2024, during the UIAA’s annual Alumni Gala, held in conjunction with the University of Illinois Homecoming Week.
The UIAA Distinguished Service Award, established in 1978, is presented to an individual or couple whose consistent and exceptional service has made an impact on the overall welfare of the university while also advancing its mission.
Jim Evans, who is an emeritus professor of agricultural communications and journalism, earned a doctorate in agricultural communications from U. of I. in 1968. He first joined what is now the College of Agricultural, Consumer and Environmental Sciences in 1962. Over the course of 33 years in the college, Evans served as head of the Teaching and Research Division of the Extension Editorial Office (later Office of Agricultural Communications) from 1962-1985, and in leadership roles for the Office of Agricultural Communications and Education from 1986-1995.
Evans was at the forefront of developing the Agricultural Communications Program at Illinois. He also helped to establish the first international student-faculty exchange program in agricultural communications and founded the Agricultural Communications Documentation Center (ACDC). He was a communications technology trailblazer — all while continuing to introduce this career field to high school students who excelled in 4-H and FFA writing, speaking, and other communications skills.
Nearly 63 years after first arriving at Illinois, both Jim and Marlene –– his high-school sweetheart and wife of 70 years — continue to influence and cultivate community in the College of ACES. This spring, the college announced the founding of the James F. Evans Global Center for Food and Agricultural Communications to continue to advance excellence in this space through outreach, professional development, research, convenings, and degree programs.
Jim and Marlene welcomed many students to campus and advised the 4-H House sorority for 25 years. The couple has generously provided financial support to ACDC, and other university initiatives.
“We are thrilled to honor Jim and Marlene Evans with the UIAA Distinguished Service Award this year. Jim's extraordinary career and ongoing dedication to the University of Illinois have profoundly impacted our students, faculty, and the broader agricultural community,” said Kim Bishop, assistant dean for advancement, who helped nominate Jim and Marlene. “His work in pioneering the field of agricultural communications exemplifies the spirit of innovation and leadership we strive for at ACES. Jim's legacy continues to inspire future generations, and we are grateful for his unwavering commitment to our mission.”
Learn more about the legacy of Jim and Marlene. To explore opportunities to support the Evans Center or the agricultural communications program established by Evans, contact the ACES Office of Advancement at 217-333-9355 or acesadvancement@illinois.edu. Contributions can be made online at go.aces.illinois.edu/GivetoEvansCenter.