• Linda Fodrini-Johnson '88, Executive Director for Eldercare Services in Lafayette
• Deborah Kirshman, Founding Director of the JFKU Museum Studies program
• Mike Ney '71, Senior Partner with the Walnut Creek law firm of McNamara, Dodge, Ney, Beatty, Slattery, Pfalzer, Borges & Brother

2007 Award Winners

Linda Fodrini-Johnson is the founder and Executive Director of Eldercare Services, a firm that provides comprehensive geriatric care management services to aging adults and their families. She is a pioneer in developing programs for individuals with Alzheimer's dementia and is a recognized nationally as an expert in care management and the associated needs of the senior population as they age. While earning her MA in Clinical Psychology from JFKU, she recognized the need for appropriate placement of older adults, started her own business in 1989. Eldercare Services (originally called Eldercare Placement Services) focuses on finding housing for frail seniors. She partnered with St. Vincent de Paul to provide employment training to welfare recipients (CalWorks) - helping them become caregivers for older adults. The San Francisco Business Times has, on numerous occasions, honored Eldercare Services as one of the 100 Fastest Growing Businesses and one of the Top 100 Women Owned Businesses in the Bay Area. Fodrini-Johnson is the western chapter president of the National Association of Professional Geriatric Care Managers and is an active member of St. Andrew's Presbyterian Church in Pleasant Hill. She is also a Trustee of the Regional Center for the Arts and serves on the Arts Access committee making the arts accessible to frail seniors, children and low-income residents.

Deborah Kirshman was the founding director of the Museum Studies program at John F. Kennedy University. During the early 80s, she worked as an integral contributor to the early stages of this prestigious program, which now reaches across the globe both in terms of drawing international students and having our accomplished graduates working in international museums. Because of Kirshman's outstanding direction and visionary guidance, the JFKU Museum Studies program has impacted the cultural quality of life for many people throughout the world. Kirshman has bachelors and masters degrees in art history from the University of Michigan. She taught art history while at JFKU before beginning her current career with University of California Press in 1985. UC Press publishes books of new work by contemporary poets under the auspices of our New California Poetry series. As Assistant Director for UC Press, she acquires new art books and works with development and public relations. She spends her leisure time hiking, swimming, and traveling.

Mike Ney has served as a model of the ideals to which JFKU's School of Law aspires. He has worked as an integral contributor to the local legal community and shown a great deal of leadership and success as an arbitrator. He received his B.S.C. from Santa Clara University in 1965. A graduate of John F. Kennedy University (J.D., 1971), he was admitted to the California Bar in 1972. Mr. Ney has served as Judge Pro Tem, Contra Costa Superior Court and Deputy District Attorney of Alameda County (1972-1973). He is a member of the Contra Costa County and American Bar Associations and the State Bar of California. He also served on the Board of Directors for the Association of Defense Counsel of Northern California, is a member of the American Board of Trial Advocates, and the American College of Trial Lawyers. Ney's firm specializes in civil litigation, with an emphasis on insurance defense in state, federal, and appellate courts in the State of California. His civil litigation defense expertise extends to construction defect, real estate, medical malpractice, personal injury, product liability and business tort work.

2006 Award Winner - Joe Morgan

Joe Morgan is a well-known and successful professional athlete and businessman, TV personality, author, motivational speaker and philanthropist. He attended Merritt College and California State University at Hayward, earning both scholastic and athletic honors at both institutions.

Entering the ranks of professional baseball in 1963, Joe signed with the Houston Colt 45's. He participated with their farm club for approximately two seasons and became a regular player for the Astros in 1964. He was named National League Rookie of the Year in 1965 and his exceptional performance continued with the Astros until 1972 when he was traded to the Cincinnati Reds. He continued to be a dominant factor in the ranks of professional baseball throughout his career. Honors bestowed him during this period are "Most Valuable Player" in the National League in 1975 and 1976; received the "Commissioner's Award" in 1976 for most votes by the fans for the All-Star Game; and 1982 was the National League's "Comeback Player of the Year".

Before ending his career in 1984, Joe had established a new career home run record for a second baseman and is currently second on that list; played in a record 92 consecutive games without an error (by a 2nd baseman); played in four World Series, winning two championships; played in seven league championship series, and established an All-Star record by playing in seven consecutive games with a hit. In addition, he won five "Gold Glove Awards", played in ten All-Star games and recorded 692 stolen bases. These honors, indicative of his great abilities, lead to him being elected to the National Baseball Hall of Fame on the first ballot.

President of J.L. Morgan Enterprises, Inc., Joe owned and operated Joe Morgan Beverage Company, a Coors Distributorship from 1987 to 1995. Between 1985 and 1988 Joe owned and operated three Wendy's Franchises. He has been a TV announcer for ABC, NBC, Giantsvision and SportsChannel. and has been television baseball analyst for ESPN, winning an Emmy Award in 2005 for Outstanding Sports Personality/sports analyst.

Residing in the Bay Area, Joe is an inspiration to all who know him. His community interest, patience and love for children, family example, and general concerns make him an exceptional individual. He contributes personally and financially to the Young America Baseball Program, the Oakland Unified School District Sports Program and is Founder and President of the Joe Morgan Youth Foundation, which provides college scholarships as well as financial support to programs that are instrumental in the development of youth.

2005 Award Winners - Roger and Judy Haughton

Mr. Haughton is CEO and Chairman of The PMI Group, a large Walnut Creek-based mortgage company; Mrs. Haughton is assistant principal of Valley Christian Elementary School. The couple, residents of Danville, are known for their philanthropic activities and their commitment to community service in and outside of Contra Costa County.