Washington Resident Earns Aurora University Lifetime Achievement Award

AURORA, Ill. - John P. Fenlason of Newcastle, Wash., a 1967 Aurora College graduate, received Aurora University’s Roger K. Parolini Lifetime Achievement Award on Sunday, June 22.

Honoring Service--John P. Fenlason of Newcastle, Wash., a 1967 Aurora College graduate, was awarded Aurora University's Roger K. Parolini Lifetime Achievement Award on June 22. AU President Rebecca L. Sherrick presented Fenlason's citationa and award, a crystal bowl during Advent Christian Heritage Sunday at AU. The award recognized Fenlason's dedication to improving the lives of others.

His citation and the award, a crystal bowl, were presented by AU President Rebecca L. Sherrick in Crimi Auditorium during Advent Christian Heritage Sunday at AU.

Hosted by AU’s Office of Alumni Relations, Heritage Sunday celebrated AU’s founding congregation with a day of discussions, music and exhibits for about 400 persons attending the denomination’s 10 th triennial conference in Naperville.

Fenlason, a management executive and volunteer for the Advent Christian denomination and other groups, was honored for his dedication to improving the lives of others.

The Parolini award was established in 1999 to recognize individuals who have given exemplary service to Aurora University or other educational, social, or religious institutions or causes. The inaugural recipient was Roger K. Parolini of Aurora, a 1949 AC graduate and an AU employee since 1954.

Fenlason graduated from AC with a bachelor’s degree in economics and business administration.

President Sherrick said, “John P. Fenlason has compiled an impressive record of professional and volunteer achievements. As a lifelong member of the Advent Christian church, he has shared his gifts generously and continues to do so today.

“Through the work of individuals such as John Fenlason, we fulfill our mission of transforming lives and winning souls,” Sherrick said.

Fenlason serves on the board of directors for the Advent Christian Village in Dowling Park, Fla., and is also chairman of the Advent Christian International Missions Advisory Committee.

Additionally, he is board president for Operation Nightwatch, an interdenominational Christian ministry serving the poor and homeless in Seattle.

Fenlason, an independent business consultant since 2003, previously served as the senior vice president and worldwide deputy director for American International Group in Hong Kong. Earlier he was a life officer, senior vice president for agency products and distribution and senior vice president for strategic implementation for SAFECO Insurance Companies in Seattle.

A lifelong Advent Christian, Fenlason has served the Seattle church as chairman of the board, treasurer, junior high and adult Sunday school teacher, chairman of the pastoral relations committee and member of other committees. He also served as an officer in the Western Washington and British Columbia AC conference and as a delegate to the denomination’s general conference.

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