In recognition of outstanding achievement in a career field or personal endeavor, the 2008 Distinguished Alumni Award goes to David and Patricia Bushland.

Dave & Patricia Bushland are the founders of NAPVI (National Association for Parents of Children with Visual Impairments). This organization was started to provide education, emotional support and networking opportunities for parents of Visually Impaired children of which Dave and Patricia have-Mary Rose. The organization raises over $50K annually and is used to provide summer camps, scholarships and other financial support for the families. Dave was recently named to the national board of directors for this organization and also sits on the Associate Board for the Foundation for Retinal Research. He is also involved with United Way and is a youth sports coach for basketball, baseball, football and soccer.

David graduated with a BA in Business & Economics in 1991 and went on to complete an MS in Finance from the University of Wisconsin and an MBA from Wake Forest University. Patricia attended Benedictine University for 2 years and transferred to Rush to complete her BSN. She received the Arkansas Association for the Education and Rehabilitation of the Blind and Visually Impaired Distinguished Advocate Award in May 2007. Both Dave and Patty were awarded NAPVI's National Shining Star Award in December 2007. In 2007, they raised over $100K for visually impaired causes.

Patty & Dave reside in Bella Vista, Arkansas with their children Jason 15, Sara 13, Matt 11, Danny 8 and Mary Rose 2.

Previous Distinguished Alumni Award Winners