"Heart of a champion" earns Cheryl Nations CASE VIII 2016 Distinguished Service Award

"She has a vulnerability that lets you know that she struggles like us all. Yet, with the heart of a champion she perseveres and moves on to embrace her next challenge." This is how Cheryl Nations is described by one of her peers.

Cheryl is the recipient of the 2016 Distinguished Service Award from the Council for the Advancement and Support of Education (CASE) District VIII Board.

For 15 years, Cheryl served the University of Washington, most recently as Associate Vice President for Advancement Communications. When not at the University of Washington, Cheryl is best recognized within the post-secondary advancement community because of her leadership as Chair of CASE District VIII until 2014, serving 138 member institutions in western Canada and the Pacific Northwest.

"When I learned that Cheryl would be receiving the 2016 Distinguished Service Award, I knew it was the right decision," said Mike Goodwin, president and CEO of the Oregon State University Foundation, current chair of the CASE board, and past chair of CASE VIII. "Her volunteer service over these past decades has been exceptional and she has gone above and beyond to contribute her talents to the district and to the organization's international aspirations."

The Cheryl's impact on the profession of advancement is summed up by her colleague and 2015 Distinguished Service Award recipient, Greg Sheridan: "When I think of Cheryl, I am reminded of the joint love she and her husband Keith share with thoroughbred racehorses. Cheryl has that same majestic beauty inside her soul and as a person. She has a presence when she is in a group because of her welcoming personality. She has a level of compassion and understanding that ensures the inclusiveness of others. I am honored to have her as a friend and colleague. "

Distinguished Service Award is given to a CASE VIII member for outstanding service to the district. The service may come in any number of ways: conference leadership or speaking, exceptional volunteer service within the district, distinguished service on the board or with CASE International. The award is given to a current District VIII employee, or someone who has been a district member within the past two years.

CASE District VIII is one of eight regional districts of the Council for Advancement and Support of Education that support educational and professional institutions in North America by enhancing the effectiveness of the alumni relations, fund raising, communications, marketing and other advancement professionals who serve them.