Since its founding in 1850, the University of Utah has grown into one of the nation’s leading public universities. Each year, Founders Day honors distinguished alumni who have made lasting contributions to their communities, professions, and the university. These awards are among the institution’s highest honors. Meet this year’s recipients.
Distinguished Alumni Award Recipients
M. John Ashton BS’66 JD’69
John Ashton served nearly 30 years as executive director of the U’s Office of Alumni Relations, helping launch Continuum (now Utah Magazine), the alumni scholarship program, and the annual food drive. A former Alumni Association president, he also held leadership roles with the Hinckley Institute, University Hospital, and national alumni groups. A former partner at Ray, Quinney & Nebeker, he has been active in the Utah State Bar, Republican Party, and Salt Lake Rotary Club.
Reverend France Davis MA’78
The Rev. France Davis participated in the historic Selma to Montgomery march led by Martin Luther King, Jr., before himself becoming a civil rights leader and spiritual guide. Ordained at Oakland’s Center Street Baptist Church, he joined Salt Lake’s Calvary Baptist Church in 1972 as pastor. A strong advocate for Martin Luther King Jr. Day, he taught in the U’s Communication and Ethnic Studies departments for 40 years and also helped lead national and local faith organizations.
Lisa Eccles BA’86
As president and COO of the George S. and Dolores Doré Eccles Foundation, Lisa Eccles has helped guide nearly $800 million in grants, transforming communities across Utah. Her impact extends through service on numerous boards, including the National Park Foundation, Utah Symphony | Utah Opera, and the U’s Board of Trustees, where she chaired the Campus Master Plan Committee. In 2024, she was named one of Utah’s Most Influential Women.
Cecelia H. Foxley MA’65 PhD’68
Cece Foxley dedicated her career to higher education, serving over a decade as Utah’s higher education commissioner—the first and only woman in the role. She led the University of Iowa’s first Affirmative Action program and later completed a three-year Regents Professorship at the U. A published author, she also advised education and government organizations and served on national higher education commissions.
Ambassador John Price BS’56 & Marcia Price BA’57
John Price, founder of JP Realty, Inc., oversaw major Utah arts projects, including Symphony Hall (now Abravanel Hall) and the Capitol Theatre restoration. He served as U.S. ambassador to Mauritius, Seychelles, and Comoros (2002–05) and held leadership roles with the U and the 2002 Winter Olympics. Marcia Price, who received an honorary doctorate from the U in 2006, is a longtime arts advocate. She chaired the Utah Arts Council and served on the Kennedy Center National Committee for the Performing Arts. Their philanthropy includes funding the Utah Museum of Fine Arts, the U’s Theatre Arts Building, and our future computing and engineering building, along with the S.J. Quinney Refugee Law Clinic. In recognition of their support, the U renamed its engineering school the John and Marcia Price College of Engineering in 2023.
Nominations for the 2026 Founders Day Awards are open through Sept. 5. Visit alumni.utah.edu to submit.
Congratulations to all, we are proud to call John Ashton a member of the Rotary Club of Salt Lake City where he continues to support education initiatives, including our scholarship program. Five of which will be attending the University of Utah this fall.