(ELGIN, IL – September 11, 2024) Judson University will honor alumni for exemplary work in their career, churches, and communities during Homecoming & Family Weekend 2024, October 4-5. The individuals will be acknowledged with the Alumnus of the Year honor and Distinguished Alumni Awards during a special Alumni Banquet on Friday, October 4, in the Reed Room, Lindner Tower, 1151 N. State St., Elgin.
2024 Alumnus of the Year: Tom McCoy ’82
Tom McCoy graduated from Judson College in 1982 with a Bachelor of Arts degree in Business Administration, where he also developed a passion for history and music studies. Tom is a seasoned financial advisor with M&E Catalyst Group, whose career began on July 8, 1982.
Tom’s commitment to excellence is evident in his long-standing membership with the Million Dollar Round Table (MDRT), where he has been a Life and Qualifying Member for 31 years. He currently serves as a Global Council Member of Program General Arrangements for MDRT and has held various leadership positions within the organization. His involvement with the MDRT Foundation is particularly noteworthy; he has served as a Past Trustee, Inner Circle Member, and Excalibur Knight. Additionally, he successfully secured an MDRT grant that funded the construction of eight homes in the Philippines through Habitat for Humanity after Typhoon Yolanda, showcasing his commitment to global humanitarian efforts.
His numerous leadership roles exemplify Tom’s dedication to community service, and include: past President of Big Brothers and Big Sisters, past President of Marshalltown Area United Way, past Co-Chair of Fundraising for Marshalltown Area United Way, past District Chair of Boy Scouts Prairie Winds, past President of Rotary Club of Marshalltown, current Assistant District Governor of Rotary District 6000, current board member of The Outreach Program, and current board member of the Judson Alumni Association.
He is also a multiple Paul Harris Recipient, reflecting his significant contributions to Rotary International and community service. Furthermore, Tom is actively involved with the West Lafayette Fire Department in Ohio as an honorary member. Tom co-chaired the “Vest for the Best” initiative, which raised $140,000 in just nine months to provide ceramic vests and helmets for First Responders and Law Enforcement in Marshall County, Iowa. Additionally, Tom and his wife are actively involved with the Shop with a Cop initiative in Marshalltown.
Tom resides in Marshalltown, Iowa, with his wife Jade, who is currently a graduate student in the Master of Arts in Ministry and Leadership program at Judson University. Jade serves as the Children’s Ministry Director at Journey Church Marshalltown. Together, they are active members of the church, contributing to its mission and community outreach efforts.
Tom has four children: Ashley, Wesley (married to Katelyn), Shannon (married to Zach), and Sarah (married to Jacob). They are also proud grandparents to seven grandchildren: Sophia, Lucas, Lydia, Matthew, Lily, Cooper, and Lucy. They share their home with three dogs: Kona, Cooper, and Maxx.
Tom’s extensive career, global philanthropic efforts, and strong family ties reflect his commitment to both his profession and making a positive impact on communities worldwide.
2024 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. Judson’s 2024 Distinguished Alumni honorees include: Robb Davidson ‘08, Brock Henderson ’03, Chief Laura L.V. King ’04, Todd Oelerich ’14, and Monique Sondag ’06.
Robb Davidson ‘08
Robb Davidson graduated from Judson University in 2008 with a Bachelor of Arts degree in Interdisciplinary Communications. Prior to graduating, Robb began his own photography business, Robb Davidson Photography in 2007. Regarded as “the people photographer” Robb has impacted the lives of countless people through his work, capturing the moments that matter at special events, weddings, celebrations, and creating lifelong memories through his visual imagery. Robb is very passionate and creative with his work using a combination of contemporary, photojournalism, natural, and vintage styles. From family portraits, to headshots, corporate marketing, and more, he works to capture each moment uniquely and creatively with a sense of fun and passion.
In 2020, Robb furthered his impact by co-founding Axiom Media Group, which helps organizations connect with their audience by taking their message and bringing it to life through top-notch video, photography, design, and social media management. In 2024, Axiom Media was named the Best Advertising Agency in Wheaton, IL for 2024 by the Quality Business Awards.
Brock Henderson ‘03
Brock Henderson graduated from Judson College in 2003 with a Bachelor of Arts degree in Visual Communications. Today, Brock is a game developer, designer, and entrepreneur. He believes that video games are the preeminent art form of this century, and that the world is a better place when we play together. His work focuses on creating games that go beyond entertainment and spark connections between people.
Brock’s body of work ranges from the serious to the silly. In the past 14 years, he has shipped over 25 titles on nine platforms, including the BAFTA award-winning game That Dragon Cancer. He serves as the lead developer at the Salvation Poem, the co-founder and creative director of the independent studio PxlPug, and the board president for the Christian Game Developers Conference. He also explores the intersection of faith and game development through his blog and podcast at FaithForms.
Before entering games, he co-founded the design firm Paper Tower with fellow Judson alum Brenden Jones ‘04 and served as its creative director for over a decade. Brock resides in Iowa with his wife, Vanessa (whom he met at Judson), and their six kids.
Chief Laura L. V. King ‘04
Chief Laura King graduated from Judson University in 2004 with a Bachelor of Arts degree in Criminal Justice. Her commitment to lifelong learning is evident in her accomplishment of earning a Master of Arts degree in Psychology and a Doctor of Philosophy from Capella University in Minneapolis. She has sought out advanced training and professional development opportunities, graduating from both Northwestern University’s School of Police Staff and Command and the prestigious 265th Session of the Federal Bureau of Investigation National Academy.
Chief King has served as chief of police for the McHenry County, Illinois, Conservation District for five years now. With an exceptional career spanning decades, Chief King has made invaluable contributions to the field of criminal justice. Chief King’s journey in law enforcement began in 1996 when she joined the ranks of the McHenry Police Department (MPD) as a patrol officer. Chief King’s dedication to excellence and her expertise in narcotics investigations led her to serve as an inspector with the esteemed North Central Narcotics Task Force. Here she played a pivotal role in conducting overt and covert operations, working collaboratively with federal, state, and local agencies. In 2003, Chief King took the role of detective, specializing in a wide range of areas, including asset forfeiture, financial crimes, sexual assault, crimes against children, crimes against the elderly, forensic interviewing, and evidence processing and handling. Here she demonstrated an unwavering commitment to seeking justice for victims and upholding the law.
As an adjunct instructor in the criminal justice and psychology programs at McHenry County College in Woodstock, Illinois, she imparts her wisdom and expertise to the next generation of criminal justice professionals. She has also served as an adjunct instructor at Judson University and Columbia College, Missouri, sharing her vast knowledge and passion for the field. As an author, Chief King’s publications in Police Chief have provided valuable insights and perspectives on law enforcement practices. She has also been a distinguished presenter, captivating audiences with her expertise in Building Resiliency and Emotional Control Into Police Operations.
Todd Oelerich ‘14
Todd Oelerich graduated from Judson University in 2014, with a Master of Arts in Organizational Leadership degree. Prior to attending Judson, Todd received his Bachelor of Arts in Economics and International Business at Cornell College in Mount Vernon, Iowa, and began his career in electronic components. Todd has held several roles in sales, management, and leadership for companies in manufacturing capacitors, circuit protection, and relays. Throughout his professional journey, Todd has led companies to reach record sales growth, building strong relationships with customers, and transforming sales practices. Today, Todd serves as the Director of Sales and Business Development at Quantic Electronics.
Todd joined the Judson Alumni Board in 2017, where his contributions were instrumental in helping professionalize the board and enhance the many ways they serve alumni. In his years of service from 2017-2023, Todd offered exceptional leadership as Alumni Board Chair for four years, developing a “Thank-a-Thon” program for alumni donors, among other initiatives. He also established the Oelerich Senior Scholarship at Judson University, which is awarded to one female and one male senior who have demonstrated excellence in the following areas during their college careers: Leadership, Academics, Service, Extra-curricular, Social, and Innovation. In May of 2024, he joined the Judson Board of Trustees where he currently serves on the Trusteeship Committee. Todd is happily married to his wife, Jeanne, and has an adult daughter, Anna.
Monique Sondag ‘06
Monique Sondag graduated from Judson University in 2006 with a Bachelor of Arts Degree in Psychology. Today, Monique is a marketing and publicity executive with over 18 years of expertise in shaping and executing brand strategies, predominantly in entertainment and publishing, driving brand awareness, media coverage, new business development, and revenue growth. With a keen focus on client relations and brand elevation, Monique has spearheaded numerous successful communications and PR campaigns, securing notable media coverage across platforms such as Good Morning America, The Today Show, NPR, The Kelly Clarkson Show, The View, MSNBC, Christianity Today, Guideposts, Relevant Magazine, and more. Her leadership roles, including as Vice President & Communications Director, have seen her orchestrate high-profile events and premieres, contributing to significant box office successes and book releases. Monique’s knack for reading the room and her ability to devise innovative solutions drive her work. Rooted in Texas but hailing from Illinois, her work is flavored with a unique blend of Southern approachability and Midwest practicality.
Beyond her professional endeavors, Monique finds joy in water coloring and decluttering spaces with her organizing prowess.
Judson University 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, Judson is home to more than 1,000 students from 42 states and 29 countries. Judson 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. Judson has also been recognized as a “Christian College of Distinction.” With an academically challenging environment and encouraging spiritual community, Judson shapes lives that shape the world.
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