Five ETHS Alums Honored with Distinguished Alumni Awards

Five alumni of Evanston Township High School (ETHS) received the school’s Distinguished Alumni Award at an induction ceremony on November 17, 2025. The ETHS District 202 Board of Education and the ETHS Alumni Association sponsored a recognition ceremony where the following recipients were honored: Vice Admiral Seiko Okano (Class of 1990), Tosha Wilson-Jones (Class of 1996), and Rabbi Dr. Gary Zola (Class of 1970). Posthumous awards were given to  Dr. Karl Muench (Class of 1952) and Mary J. Wilkerson (Class of 1958).

The Distinguished Alumni Award Selection Committee evaluates the nominations each year and selects the recipients. The committee is made up of students, current and former ETHS faculty and staff members, community members, and alumni. The ETHS Distinguished Alumni Award program was established to recognize and honor the outstanding accomplishments of ETHS graduates and, by celebrating these role models, to inspire today’s students to follow their own pursuit of excellence.
 

About the 2025 Winners

Dr. Karl Muench (Class of 1952) was a renowned physician and professor who spent more than five decades at the University of Miami.

He founded the university’s first required genetics course, authored Genetic Medicine, and pioneered treatments for blood disorders, including sickle cell and Gaucher Disease. Dr. Muench also found the cure for chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL) through the invention of Leukapheresis.

Dr. Muench’s groundbreaking research and compassionate teaching transformed modern medical genetics and inspired generations of physicians.

 

Vice Admiral Seiko Okano (Class of 1990) is a trailblazing U.S. Navy leader and the first woman to serve as Program Executive Officer for Integrated Warfare Systems.

Her 25-year career spans deployments, as well as leadership in advanced weapon and communications systems. She currently serves as Assistant Secretary of the Navy for Research Development and Acquisition, directing more than 11,000 personnel in advancing military technology and cybersecurity.

A decorated officer and champion for women in the armed forces, Vice Admiral Okano is celebrated for her innovation, mentorship, and lasting impact on naval leadership.

 

 

Mary J. Wilkerson (Class of 1958) dedicated more than 40 years to public service through the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development. With an MBA from the University of Chicago, she combined professional expertise with an unwavering commitment to civil rights and community empowerment.

Throughout her life, Mary championed youth development and educational equity. She proudly served on the school board at ETHS District 202 and co-founded the African American Youth Achievement Award, recognizing District 65 and District 202 students.

Her tireless advocacy and service reflect a lifelong commitment to equity, education, and empowering young people.

 

Sergeant Tosha Wilson-Jones (Class of 1996) has dedicated her life to serving and uplifting her community through law enforcement, entrepreneurship, and mentorship. She has served with the Evanston Police Department since 2002, becoming the first Evanston-born African American woman to attain the rank of sergeant.

She founded Boosting Black Business, raising more than $100,000 to support Black entrepreneurs. She is the co-owner of The Laundry Cafe and is now a co-developer of The Aux, a community hub for local Black-owned businesses.

Her commitment to community empowerment continues to inspire.

 

Rabbi Dr. Gary Zola (Class of 1970) is a distinguished historian and educator. He served more than four decades at Hebrew Union College-Jewish Institute of Religion, where he became Executive Director Emeritus of the Jacob Rader Marcus Center of the American Jewish Archives.

Under his guidance, the Archives grew into the world’s largest research center devoted to the American Jewish experience. A prolific scholar, he authored and edited numerous acclaimed works on American Jewish history and Reform Judaism.

Appointed by President Obama and President Biden to federal commissions, Dr. Zola’s leadership and civic service has left a lasting national impact.