Houghton University Presents Alumni Awards

Houghton, NY – During its Homecoming and Family Weekend (October 3-5, 2025), Houghton University honored four prestigious alumni with awards recognizing their outstanding contributions to their professions, their communities, their alma mater and the Church. The awards were presented during the annual Legacy Chapel on Friday, October 3 by Houghton University President Wayne D. Lewis, Jr. honored Mr. David Smith ’73, Ms. Joanna Sudlow ’15, Mr. Dean Liddick ’60 and Mr. Derrick Tennant ’93.

Mr. David Smith was named Houghton University Alumnus of the Year, which was presented posthumously to his wife Mrs. Cindy (Dunham ’73) Smith. Mr. Smith was recognized for his lifetime of service to IBM, a career which spanned nearly forty years, during which time he was recognized with numerous employee awards. After retirement, Mr. Smith served Houghton as Vice President for Finance and Planning under President Emerita Dr. Shirley A. Mullen ’76. Mr. Smith was noted for his dedication, his servant-leadership, and his commitment to excellence.

Ms. Joanna Sudlow was named Young Alumna of the Year, recognizing her work as Lead Animal Trainer with Sight and Sound Theatres in Lancaster, Pennsylvania. Over the past decade, Ms. Sudlow has trained hundreds of animals for stage and film productions, including the theatre’s current sold-out show Noah, which features over 140 animals. Her work has been a vital part of Sight and Sound’s ability to carry out its mission to spread the truth of the Gospel through drama, reaching over 1.5 million audience members annually.

Mr. Dean Liddick, a long-time Houghton resident and former college employee, was presented with the 2025 Alumni Appreciation Award. In the twenty-five years since his retirement, Mr. Liddick has served in many unrecognized roles, as ghostwriter, advisor, consultant, and unofficial historian. The founder and long-time editor of Houghton’s alumni magazine, Mr. Liddick has been a vital source of information for four different published works of Houghton history, including most recently Dr. Jack Connell’s ’83 book Heartbreak and Hope: The Story of the Houghton Six.

Mr. Derrick Tennant was presented with the FEARLESS Award, recognizing his lifetime dedication to overcoming challenges, and the work he does to inspire others to do the same. Mr. Tennant is a widely respected corporate speaker, stand-up comedian, and advocate for those with Down’s Syndrome and those with traumatic brain injuries. His speaking and comedy career has taken him around the world, spreading messages of hope and perseverance in the face of overwhelming circumstances.

For full award citations for each of the award winners, please visit houghton.edu/alumni-awards.