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July 24, 2026

to Honor Alumni during Homecoming Weekend 2026

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(ELGIN, IL – July 24, 2026) will honor alumni for exemplary work in their career, churches, and communities during Homecoming & Family Weekend 2026, October 9-10.  

The following individuals will be acknowledged with the Distinguished Alumnus Awards during a special Alumni Banquet on Friday, October 9, at 6:30 p.m. in the Reed Room, Lindner Tower, 1151 N. State St., Elgin.

2026 DISTINGUISHED ALUMNI

The Distinguished Alumni Award is given to recognize alumni who have made outstanding contributions to their profession and community as they model excellence in their vocation. ’s 2026 Distinguished Alumni Award recipients include: Chris Britton ’04 / ‘19, Dr. Nathan “Nate” Perron ‘99, and Luke Jaw Ring ’02.  

CHRIS BRITTON ’04 / ’19

Chris Britton is a creative educator and spoken word artist with more than twenty years of dedicated experience in urban youth ministry. A double alumnus of , Chris holds a Bachelor of Arts degree in Youth Ministry & Adolescent Studies (2004) and a Master of Leadership in Ministry (2019). His passion for empowering young people led him to found M.A.D. Skills, an innovative creative arts program that has helped countless individuals discover and express their unique voices. For the past seven years, Chris has served as the Digital Media & Creative Expressions Instructor at Thurgood Marshall Alternative School in Rock Island, Illinois. In this role, he develops story-centered curriculum designed to empower students to own and share their personal narratives. His work sits at the intersection of art and mentorship, fostering an environment where students feel seen and heard. Chris’s commitment to his community is matched only by his devotion to his family. He resides in Rock Island with his wife, Trisha, and their three daughters, continuing to use his creative gifts to inspire the next generation of leaders and storytellers.

DR. NATHAN “NATE” PERRON ’99

Dr. Nathan “Nate” Perron is a distinguished counselor educator and clinician whose career is defined by a deep commitment to healing, scholarship, and global service. After graduating from in 1999 with a Bachelor of Arts degree in Youth Ministry & Adolescent Studies, Nate earned a Master of Divinity and a Master of Arts in Counseling from Gordon-Conwell Theological Seminary, eventually completing his Doctor of Philosophy in Counselor Education and Supervision in 2015. Currently, he serves as the Director of Affiliate Faculty & Instruction at Northwestern University, where he has taught since 2015.

Nate’s influence extends far beyond the classroom; he is a recognized leader in international counseling, contributing to research in first responder wellness and trauma recovery. His leadership roles include serving as Vice President of Operations for the International Association for Counseling and collaborating with global organizations such as the World Health Organization and UNESCO. Despite these significant professional achievements, Nate’s faith and family remain the center of his world. Driven by a devotion to Christ, he seeks to make a meaningful difference in every community he serves. Nate lives in southern Wisconsin with his family, where he is a proud father of five and a grandfather of one.

LUKE JAW RING ’02

Luke Jaw Ring is a finance professional and community advocate whose life and career are a testament to the values of servant leadership. Following his graduation from in 2002 with Bachelor of Arts degrees in Business Management & Business Administration, Luke earned a Master of Science degree in Finance from Florida International University. He spent sixteen years as a dedicated professional with Bank of America before transitioning to his current role as an independent contractor, a move that has allowed him the flexibility to prioritize his family and his service to others.

A pillar of the Burmese immigrant community in South Florida, Luke and his wife, Tsin Pan, are deeply involved in the First Burmese Christian Church. Luke views his professional skills as a tool for ministry, helping first-generation immigrants navigate their new lives with a “humble spirit”—a trait he credits to his time at . For Luke, the journey to fatherhood was one of unwavering faith, and he cherishes his role as a father to his two daughters, Faith and Sut Ngai. He remains grateful for the foundation laid by the Business Department, which continues to shape his life as he serves his community with grace and integrity.

looks forward to recognizing all the 2026 Distinguished Alumni Award recipients, as well as the 2026 Alumnus of the Year and the 2026 Family Legacy Award recipients at the Alumni Banquet & Awards ceremony part of Homecoming & Family Weekend on Friday, October 9 at 6:30 p.m.

Register now: www.judsonu.edu/homecoming

is a fully accredited, private Christian institution representing the Church at work in higher education. Nestled along the beautiful Fox River in Elgin, Ill., just 40 miles northwest of Chicago, is home to more than 1,000 students from 42 states and 29 countries. offers degrees in more than 65 different majors and minors for traditional, graduate and adult students and ranks consistently among the Best Regional Universities in the Midwest by U.S. News & World Report. has also been recognized as a “Christian College of Distinction.” With an academically challenging environment and encouraging spiritual community, shapes lives that shape the world.

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