Human rights activist Rev. Jesse Jackson Sr. and Chicago School Board president Gery J. Chico will be among the first recipients of DePaul University’s Tree of Wisdom Awards. Sponsored by the School of Education, the awards honor those who have a proven commitment to improving the lives of young people. Jackson and Chico are two of six exceptional individuals who will be honored at the dinner and awards ceremony to be held at 6 p.m. on May 15 at the Sheraton Chicago Hotel and Towers, 301 E. North Water St.

Other honorees include Ken L. Barun, president and CEO of Ronald McDonald House Charities; Anastasia P. Graven, former principal of Daniel Boone Elementary and Stephen Decatur Classical School; John P. Graven, former assistant superintendent of the Chicago Public Schools, and Marian B. McClory, a lifetime member of the DePaul University Board of Trustees.

Each of the Tree of Wisdom Award recipients has worked tirelessly on behalf of children and is a role model for education:

Rev. Jesse Jackson--A world-renowned civil rights and political activist, Jackson is the founder and president of the Rainbow/PUSH Coalition. His work has provided a vehicle for thousands of inner city youth to pursue positive avenues in life.

Gery J. Chio--An attorney with a strong commitment to public service, Chico was appointed president of the Chicago School Reform Board of Trustees in 1995. A partner in the law firm of Altheimer & Gray, Chico also serves on Chicago’s Public Building Commission, and is a former chief of staff for Mayor Richard M. Daley.

Ken Braun--A longtime supporter of education, Braun oversees the worldwide charitable activities of the McDonald’s Corporation, including Ronald McDonald House Charities. This work includes oversight of the program that provides a "home away from home" for families of children undergoing prolonged hospital treatment. Braun is also the author of the book, "How to Keep the Children You Love Off of Drugs."

Anastasia P. Graven--A product of Chicago’s public schools, Graven enjoyed an extensive career dedicated to education and school administration before her retirement in 1989. She was one of the first principals to run a classical school under the Board’s Access to Excellence program.

John P. Graven--Like his wife Anastasia, John Graven is a product of the Chicago’s public schools who went on to build a career in education. The longtime educator and school administrator has received numerous awards for his service to youth, including the Chicago Ambassador Award, which was presented by the late Mayor Richard J. Daley.

Marian B. McClory--The first woman elected to the Board of Trustees at DePaul, McClory also is a founding and charter member of DePaul’s Women’s Board. Countless students have benefited from her more than 30 years of devoted service to DePaul.

The Tree of Wisdom Award was established this year to honor outstanding service on behalf of children and youth. Tickets to the dinner are $100 per person. Proceeds will be used to fund a scholarship for the School of Education. For more information call Kelli O’Donoghue at 773-362-7744.