Moraine Valley Community College alumnus, Jason Knade, was a co-recipient of the 2024 Illinois Community College Trustees Association (ICCTA) Distinguished Alumnus Award, which recognizes an alumnus who has exhibited outstanding success and distinction in their chosen field. Additionally, the recipient must have shown service that is beneficial to society and supported community college education.
Knade is a successful filmmaker who has worked worldwide on hundreds of films, music videos, commercials and documentaries. He primarily works as a director but also has experience in writing, producing and cinematography. He currently is the creative director of Behold and is a self-employed director and cinematographer who also works with other production companies.
He has filmed such noteworthy people as the Pope, a sitting president, famous actors, members of Congress and Hall of Fame athletes. Knade has done work for brands like Nike, Canon, Nordstrom and Maker’s Mark. He has won prestigious awards, including two Emmys, and was nominated for three additional Emmys. He also received Best Film, Best Feature, Best Music Video and Best Short nominations and awards at film festivals around the world.
Knade credits Moraine Valley’s diversity with impacting his work. He has created films that celebrate underrepresented communities and aspire to create social change. His debut film, “Cyclicity,” was nominated for the Iris Prize, the biggest LGBTQ prize (in terms of award money) in the world. His film “Hogtown” won Best Film at the International Black Film Festival and other competitions and was named a Top 10 Film of the Year by The New York Times.
In addition to filmmaking, Knade has taught communications and film classes at Moraine Valley and other colleges.
Knade was excited when he learned he had won the ICCTA Distinguished Alumnus Award.
“At this point in my career, most of the awards and honors I’ve received have been specific to my industry,” he said. “It’s very gratifying and meaningful to be recognized more generally and for contributions outside of just my work.”
Knade received the award at the ICCTA Awards Banquet in June, which also was attended by Moraine Valley’s president, Dr. Pamela J. Haney; Joe Flynn, professor and department chair of Business, who also was the college’s nominee for the ICCTA Outstanding Full-Time Faculty Member Award; Steve Pappageorge, executive director of Community Education, Workforce Development and Government Relations; and several members of Moraine Valley’s Board of Trustees.
For news media inquiries, contact Karen Town, communications specialist, at (708) 974-5652 or town@morainevalley.edu.
