These awards highlight the extraordinary impact Poets make in their communities, careers, and service to Whittier.
Take part in the ceremony during the State of the College, presented by President Kristine E. Dillon ’73 Ph.D., during Homecoming Weekend on Friday, Oct. 10. The evening begins with a 4:15 p.m. reception at the Ruth B. Shannon Center for the Performing Arts.
This year’s distinguished award recipients are:
Rayburn S. Dezember Distinguished Service Medal Richard "Dick" Deihl '49, 9/9/1928-6/28/2024 Lieutenant and business executive, former CEO of H.F. Ahmanson & Co.
This medal is Whittier College’s highest honor for uncommon commitment, reserved for those whose extraordinary leadership has permanently enhanced the welfare of the College and significantly shaped its future. This President’s Award has only been awarded to six other honorees since 2002.
Deihl’s lifelong dedication to Whittier has advanced academic excellence, strengthened student opportunity, and inspired generations of Poets. His service as a Trustee, Poet Laureate, recipient of an honorary doctorate, Lancer, and devoted alumnus speaks to his lifelong dedication to Whittier College. He and his wife also established the Richard and Billy Diehl Chair. His service in the U.S. Air Force, along with his distinguished career as Chairman and CEO of H.F. Ahmanson & Company, further demonstrates his exceptional leadership and business acumen. His vision, service, and generosity have left an indelible mark on the Poet community.
Distinguished Alumni Achievement Award Tien Zee ’61 Founder and chairman, Intex Industries and chief executive officer of Intex Corp.
This specific award recognizes leaders who demonstrate distinction, innovation, and service in their professions and communities. Zee's remarkable philanthropic leadership, particularly through the establishment and continued support of the INTEX Internship, reflects those qualities in extraordinary ways. Since its founding in 2017, the INTEX Internship program — hosted in Xiamen, China — has provided Whittier students with transformative international work experiences. His dedication to opening the world to our students powerfully reflects Whittier’s mission of inclusive excellence and global engagement.
Emerging Leader Award Charlie Phillips ’11 Partner at Beacon Pointe
The Emerging Leader Award honors graduates who make a meaningful impact early in their careers and who give back to our mission of inclusive excellence. Since earning his degree in international business from Whittier College in 2011, Phillips has achieved notable success as a Partner and Senior Wealth Advisor at Beacon Pointe’s Los Angeles office. Most recently, he generously shared his insights and career journey with students in Professor Fatos Radoniqi’s class, offering valuable guidance on networking, mentorship, and professional development. His willingness to invest time and knowledge on behalf of current students exemplifies the very best of the Poet legacy.
Poet Impact Award Jonathan Damm ’95 Attorney, Office of the Solicitor, Division of Indian Affairs
He’s not only championed equity and justice in his profession, but he has shown a dedication to Whittier College that will have a lasting impact for students and campus. A former standout on the lacrosse field, he and Joe McCarthy ’97 together took initiative and led a focused, strategic campaign that raised over $180,000 from more than 130 donors.
Honorary Alumni Award Harriet Harris Owner of Harris Taylor Management and co-founder of Brethren Community Foundation
This specific award recognizes those who, though not alumni, have made exceptional contributions to the College, enriching the Whittier experience and strengthening our community. Her visionary leadership, particularly through the establishment of the Brethren Community Fellowship, which fully funds juniors and seniors to participate in community-driven development projects in East Africa, has profoundly advanced our mission of inclusive excellence and global engagement.
Together with husband Bill — an alumnus and former trustee — they developed charitable initiatives that have enriched student experiences and fostered meaningful international connections. Most recently, her instrumental role in supporting the return of Poet Football further reflects her enduring dedication to the vitality and spirit of the Whittier College community.
Community Partner Award City of Whittier
Contributing to both the Whittier Now! Campaign and other scholarships, the College and the City have a tremendous partnership. They have long worked together to strengthen Uptown Whittier as a vibrant civic and cultural hub, recognizing the dynamic synergy between the institution and the city’s public life. The recent launch of the Whittier Civic Scholars Program is a powerful reflection of this collaboration. Together, they are helping students from the Whittier Union High School District overcome financial barriers, connect with local mentors, and prepare for meaningful engagement and leadership in our city. This initiative reinforces a shared goal: to build lasting pathways of access, mobility, and civic identity rooted in the city of Whittier.
Poet Champion Patricia Juarez-Hill ’98 Teacher, Whittier Union High School District
This newly established award recognizes alumni who embody the Poet spirit through exceptional service and leadership. It was created to honor those whose sustained dedication strengthens and elevates the Poet community in extraordinary ways. Her enduring commitment to Whittier College is truly remarkable. As a student-athlete, Athenian Society member, and campus leader, she set the foundation for a life of impact. In her professional career as an educator and mentor, she has continued to guide and inspire others. Through her longstanding service to the College — as Alumni Board member, Chair of the Alumni Engagement Committee, Purple & Gold representative, and a passionate champion for campus initiatives — she exemplifies everything this award represents.
This will be a memorable evening of recognition, connection, and community — celebrating Poets who truly make a difference. Pre-register now at Whittier.edu/homecoming.
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