BYU will honor five during Homecoming 2006 for making a significant impact in the lives of others and showing their support for BYU.
The Distinguished Service Award, for outstanding service in a profession, community, church or nation, will be given to Mariann Richards Adams (BS '82) of Pendleton, Ore., Douglas L. Packer (BA '76) of Rochester, Minn., and L. Douglas Smoot (BS '57) of Provo. Diana Mae Daniels Wade (BS '59) of St. George, Utah, will receive the Service to Family Award, for outstanding service to families, and Franklin (Frank) Ferguson of Holladay, Utah, has rendered significant service to the university and will receive the Honorary Alumni Award.
The Sept. 11, 2001 tragedy prompted Mariann Richards Adams to aid grieving families. She developed One-United Charity, Inc., and her care packages, educational packets, original music and work with schools, churches and communities earned the New York City Fire Department Commissioner's Special Commendation.
Douglas L. Packer, a physician, scientist and teacher at the Mayo Clinic, is part of an elite group that makes remarkable contributions to heart health in the United States. He is listed among the Best Doctors in America and served as a reviewer and executive committee member for the National Institutes of Health.
As a BYU professor, chair and dean for nearly 40 years, L. Douglas Smoot became a well-recognized researcher for coal combustion and gasification. Smoot also gained extensive acknowledgment in the local community as the leader who spearheaded the drive to save the old BY Academy on University Avenue.
After Diana Mae Daniels Wade's youngest child, Cindy, was born with Down syndrome, she became an activist for the rights of persons with disabilities. She has reached out to hundreds of parents and worked with the National Academy for Child Development as a speaker and chapter director.
Franklin T. (Frank) Ferguson's design thumbprint is abundant at BYU. He played the leading role developing the Tanner, Crabtree, Benson and Joseph F. Smith buildings, the Lee Library addition and the Eyring Science Center remodel. His latest project is the Gordon B. Hinckley Alumni and Visitors Center.
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