Frank L. Ashmore Distinguished Service Award
The CASE Distinguished Service Award celebrates inspirational advancement professionals whose accomplishments and service to CASE have made a significant and lasting impact on institutional advancement. The award acknowledges individuals whose embodiment of the spirit of CASE, particularly leadership and generosity in sharing knowledge with the community of practice, have earned the respect and admiration of fellow colleagues.
CASE celebrates the leadership, innovation, and impact of professionals from different lived experiences. As in all its initiatives, CASE values inclusivity, and therefore, the Individual Achievement Awards actively seek the broadest possible set of nominations from institutions and individuals across the globe.
To be considered for this award, nominees must meet the following qualifications:
- From a CASE member institution or Educational Partner or retired from a CASE member institution.
- Made significant contributions to CASE through volunteer service.
- Current members of the CASE Regional Councils are not eligible for nomination.
- Self-nominations will not be accepted.
Dale Wright
Dale Wright, Interim Vice Chancellor for Advancement and Interim Senior Vice President of the Foundation at the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign (UIUC), has been a leading figure in university advancement for over 26 years. Under his leadership, the With Illinois campaign raised $2.7 billion—exceeding its original goal of $2.25 billion—and helped strengthen alumni engagement and philanthropic support across the university.
Dale's impact extends beyond UIUC. He has served as a faculty member and speaker at over 22 CASE conferences, co-chaired two major CASE events, and contributed to the advancement field as a member of the CASE Commission on Philanthropy and a CASE Laureate. His excellence as a teacher and mentor was recognized with CASE’s Crystal Apple Award for teaching.
Dale played a key role in securing transformational gifts for UIUC, including a $100 million gift to name the Grainger College of Engineering, a $50 million to $112 million expansion of the Jump ARCHES partnership, and the launch of the IBM Illinois Discovery Accelerator Institute—the largest corporate partnership in the college’s history. His strategic leadership has enhanced UIUC’s reputation as a national leader in engineering and innovation.
“Dale embodies the principles of servant leadership—generously sharing his knowledge and experience with the advancement community in a way that is both authentic and deeply heartfelt,” said Rashid Bashir, Dean of the Grainger College of Engineering. “That authenticity has earned him tremendous respect within the two universities he has served and among colleagues across the globe.”
CASE Leadership Award
The CASE Leadership Award celebrates CASE member institutional chief executive officers, system heads, and trustees for outstanding efforts in promoting and supporting education and institutional advancement.
CASE celebrates the leadership, innovation, and impact of professionals from different lived experiences. As in all its initiatives, CASE values inclusivity, and therefore, the Individual Achievement Awards actively seek the broadest possible set of nominations from institutions and individuals across the globe.
To be considered for this award, nominees must meet the following requirements:
- Institutional CEO, system head, or trustee (current or retired) for a CASE member institution.
- Institutionally Related Foundations or self-governed alumni association CEOs and trustees are not eligible for nomination.
- Current members of the CASE Regional Councils are not eligible for nomination.
- Self-nominations will not be accepted.
Dr. Robert Garza
As President of Palo Alto College (PAC), Dr. Robert Garza has driven significant growth in student enrollment and retention, particularly among underrepresented populations. Within his first year as president, he led Palo Alto College toward being named a Rising Star of the 2019 Aspen Prize for Community College Excellence, the nation’s signature recognition of high achievement and performance in America’s community colleges and celebrated the achievements of the Alamo Colleges District and its five colleges as a 2018 Malcolm Baldrige National Quality Award winner.
Most recently, Dr. Garza was recognized at the 2025 Quest for Excellence Conference with the prestigious Baldridge Foundation Award for Leadership Excellence in the education sector. His efforts to align academic programs with the needs of the local workforce have enhanced student success and has developed meaningful partnerships with many local San Antonio businesses. His work with the San Antonio Hispanic Chamber of Commerce reinforces his commitment to promote high value employment opportunities for students and the community.
Also, Dr. Garza has made expanding educational access a core part of his leadership strategy. He spearheaded initiatives like Educate South, which promotes educational awareness from an early age, and has increased scholarship opportunities for students in the area. “Dr. Robert Garza embodies effective leadership through his unwavering dedication to education and community engagement,” said Jessica Dominguez, Executive Assistant to the President.
His contributions to Palo Alto College and the city of San Antonio are profound and far-reaching. By championing student success and fostering community partnerships, Dr. Garza has transformed countless lives and strengthened our community's fabric.