Recognizing SLCC's 2025 Honorary Doctorates: Alan E. Hall & Jeanne Nowak Hall

Salt Lake Community College has been awarding Honorary Doctor of Humane Letters degrees to deserving individuals since 1986. The SLCC Board of Trustees selects outstanding individuals in the community who have achieved distinction, made extraordinary contributions to their professional fields, and made a meaningful impact in their communities and/or to higher education to receive this honor.

Honorary Doctor of Humane Letters  

Alan E. Hall, Chair 

Jeanne Nowak Hall, President 

Alan and Jeanne Hall Foundation 

Community. Education. Service. Family. Faith. These values have guided Alan and Jeanne Hall for many years. As dedicated supporters of Salt Lake Community College, they have championed innovative training programs and scholarships, helping hundreds of SLCC students achieve their dreams. For the Halls, investing in education isn’t just philanthropy—it’s a meaningful way to empower individuals and strengthen communities.

Alan, who holds an undergraduate degree in Psychology from Weber State University (WSU) and a Master’s of Business Administration degree from Brigham Young University (BYU), understands firsthand the transformative power of education. As founder of several global companies, including Blue Sky Energy Corporation and MarketStar, he has personally witnessed how education shapes lives and careers. “College is where students dedicate themselves to learning the skills and knowledge they need to graduate with a degree,” he says. “Mastering the fundamentals during this unique time helps people become successful citizens and a benefit to their families.”

Jeanne also promotes education and community service through her role as president of the Alan and Jeanne Hall Foundation. “It doesn't matter what field you're in; what matters is that you share your knowledge to lift and help others,” she says. After earning a bachelor’s degree in Psychology from WSU and master’s degrees in Counseling from BYU and the University of Utah, Jeanne worked for many years as a high school counselor with the Ogden School District. She has also served the community by donating her time and energy to numerous charitable organizations, including singing in the Mormon Tabernacle Choir, organizing and running the Boys & Girls Club of Weber-Davis, and serving on the Alan E. and Jeanne N. Hall Endowment Committee for Community Outreach at WSU.

For students transitioning from college to career, the Halls emphasize that business, at its core, is about service. “Successful business begins with a deep understanding of human behavior and is sustained by being a thoughtful and compassionate individual.” Alan says.