CEC’s 2024 Legacy Proclamation Recipients

In February 2024, the Board of Directors approved the first individuals nominated to receive a CEC Legacy Proclamation:

• Jamie Hopkins
• John Wills Lloyd
• James M. Patton (posthumous)
• Landis M. Stetler (posthumous)
• Jennifer A. Tong (posthumous)

A Legacy Proclamation honors an outstanding CEC member who has led and contributed to The Council’s various units, divisions, and national governing bodies and has significantly influenced the field throughout a lifelong career. The Proclamation honors the member while associating their contributions to the history of CEC and advancements in the special education field, accruing benefits to children and youth with exceptionalities, as well as “leaving a legacy” as a historical document and celebratory recognition.

Learn more about Legacy Proclamation criteria and how to nominate.

Legacy Proclamation Nomination

The Proclamations for Hopkins and Lloyd were presented at the Awards Luncheon at CEC 2024. Learn more about all the recipients and their impact on CEC and the field.

• Jamie S. Hopkins: Jamie Hopkins began her impressive lifelong career covering 45 years as a special education teacher in Amelia, Ohio, and became a supervisor and coordinator of special education in two Ohio school districts, later holding the position of… Read More
• John Wills Lloyd: Dr. John Wills Lloyd is an outstanding, committed, and exemplary professor, researcher, scholar, and mentor who worked for more than 40 years on behalf of the education of children and youth with exceptionalities, especially… Read More
• James M. Patton: Dr. James Marlin Patton had a  most distinguished and influential career of more than 40 years in the field of special education, working tirelessly to educate and advocate for children and youth with exceptionalities, particularly in addressing… Read More
• Landis M. Stetler: Dr. Landis M. Stetler was a dedicated teacher, administrator, mentor, and advocate who worked during his extensive 60 years of service on behalf of the education of children and youth with exceptionalities… Read More
• Jennifer A. Tong: Dr. Jennifer A. Tong notably served CEC in many roles during her 42 years of membership, including the British Columbia Provincial Federation President; British Columbia Governor to the CEC Board of Governors; chair of the… Read More