The University of Utah Emeritus Alumni Board is proud to present its Merit of Honor Award to five former students, all of whom graduated from the University 40 or more years ago, for their distinguished service to the University, their profession, and the community.

These five outstanding individuals will be honored with a reception at Rice- Eccles Stadium & Tower on Nov. 12, 2008, beginning at 6:30 p.m., followed by dinner at 7 p.m. Tickets are $65 per person. For more information, or to make reservations, call Laura Cañate at (801) 581-6997.

Richard Carling BS ’62 JD ’65, a Utah attorney, has devoted his adult life to public service—as a member of both the Utah House of Representatives (1967-78) and the Senate (1973-1990), chairing both the House and Senate higher education appropriations committees and serving on commissions, task forces, and other committees including the Judiciary Committee, the Transportation and Public Safety Committee, and the State and Local Affairs Committee.

Carling has received numerous awards and recognitions for his service to the community, including the Outstanding Legislator of the Year from the University of Utah-ASUU, the Outstanding Service Award from the U’s Police Department, and the Honorary Colonel of Excellence from the Utah Highway Patrol. Carling is also a marathon runner and has now competed in more than 125 races, including 30 consecutive Boston Marathons.

Au-Deane Shepherd Cowley BA’66 MSW’69 PhD’75 has had a distinguished career as a clinical social worker and marital and family therapist, and as a faculty member in the U’s Graduate School of Social Work, where she served as associate dean and director of practicum before her retirement in 1998. She was awarded a University Distinguished Teaching Award at the U’s 1993 Commencement.

Cowley has presented seminars and workshops for business and industry throughout the western U.S. and has been a frequent guest on local television and radio shows. She has published internationally, including three books, several chapters, various articles in professional journals, and numerous poems.

Norton Parker BS’51began his banking career at the Bank of Utah, and then moved to the Lockhart Company, Western States Thrift, and the Bank of Salt Lake, building a reputation for integrity and fair-mindedness. In 1977, he founded Capital City Bank and, as president, grew the business to include eight branches before selling the company to Bank One (now Chase) and retiring in 1994. In 2008, the Utah Banker’s Association honored him as among the state’s most prominent and groundbreaking bankers at their first annual Hall of Fame Awards.

Before attending the U, Parker served in the Merchant Marines, Army Air Force, and Navy Reserves. He has since given back to the community as a member and leader of numerous boards, including the Salt Lake County Association for Retarded Children, the Utah Housing Authority, and the Salt Lake Chamber of Commerce. He has also served the University of Utah as a member of the Utah Museum of Natural History board for nearly two decades.

Marilyn Lunt Phillips BS ’56 has devoted her life to service in educational, community, and humanitarian causes. After receiving her bachelor’s degree, along with early childhood and elementary teaching certificates, she began her career teaching kindergarten, then second grade in the Davis and Salt Lake school districts. Phillips later received a master’s of education from Westminster College in 1981 and then enrolled in the U’s Graduate School of Educational Administration for a professional certificate. She eventually served as principal at Nibley Park Elementary from 1986-1991 and at Jackson Elementary from 1991-2000. Her continual goal has been to develop capable young students and encourage lifelong learning.

Phillips has previously been recognized for her community and school service with honors including the Outstanding Administrator award from the Utah Music Educators Association, the Huntsman Award for Excellence in Education, the Salt Lake Police Crime Prevention Award, and the 2007 Belle Spafford Award from the University of Utah College of Social Work.

A. Hamer Reiser, Jr. BA ’43 MD ’45 has been a specialist in internal medicine for more than 60 years. After receiving his medical degree and serving his internship at LDS Hospital, Reiser served as a medical officer in the U.S. Army from 1946 to 1948. He then returned for a two-year residency at LDS Hospital before practicing medicine in Salt Lake City from 1950-1987. Since 1990, Reiser has provided medical services for missionaries of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, and he continues to maintain his license in order to make pro bono publico house calls for those in need. He and his wife, Betty Jo, also served for years as volunteers at the Utah State Prison.

Reiser has had numerous articles published in professional publications, newspapers, and magazines, and has been recognized with honors including the Salt Lake County Medical Society Auxiliary’s Distinguished Physician Award.

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