Jon Lake, M.D., a Wayne State University School of Medicine Class of 1996 alumnus, received the 2017 Dr. Ethelene Jones Crockett Distinguished Alumni Award from Jackson Community College in Jackson, Mich.

Dr. Lake is a Jackson native who enrolled in the WSU School of Medicine at age 39 following a 15-year stint as a physician's assistant. He completed his residency in Family Medicine at the University of Michigan in 1999 and is now medical director of Independent Hospitalist Physicians. He previously practiced for 14 years at the Henry Ford Allegiance Family Medicine Townsend Clinic, and was chief of medical staff at W.A. Foote Memorial Hospital, both in Jackson.

He attended Jackson Community College from 1970 to 1972, completing his bachelor's degree in biology at Albion College.

Dr. Lake is a member of the Jackson County Medical Society, American Academy of Family Physicians, Michigan State Medical Society; serves on the board of Project Access; and is a board member of Country Club of Jackson. He served as chair of the Jackson Symphony Orchestra, Jackson Public Schools Board, United Way of Jackson Board, Allegiance Health System Board and chair of credentials for the Jackson Health Network.

"Dr. Lake embodies the definition of philanthropy by 'loving human beings.' He reflects everything we look for in an outstanding alumnus," said Jason Valente, president of the Jackson College Foundation and vice president of Advancement for the college, in a release. "Like Dr. Ethelene Jones Crockett, Dr. Lake is known as a compassionate community leader and humanitarian. Not only has Dr. Lake reached exceptional accomplishments in the medical field, he seeks to promote the welfare of others through his philanthropy and service to Jackson College and many other organizations in Jackson."

A mentor early in his career urged Dr. Lake to always serve his community. "I think we need to give. Especially as a physician, I feel it's important to give back to the community for what they've given you," he said.