Wednesday, May 03, 2006

Wilmington, N.C. - Cheryl Sutton, coordinator of the Office of Historically Underutilized Businesses (HUB) at University of North Carolina Wilmington, has been named Leadership Wilmington Alumna of the Year. She received the award from her peers at the 2006 Leadership Wilmington Graduation Ceremony held May 2 in the Madeline Suite at UNCW.

Sutton, a 2004 graduate of the program, member of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc., past Leadership Wilmington session chair, Partners of Economic Inclusion member, and board member for Domestic Violence Shelter and Services, Inc, is an active change agent in the Wilmington community, giving of her own time and ensuring the active participation and future leadership of others. "Her work in this community makes her a clear choice for this award as she empowers others to become leaders as well as being a great leader herself," says Alumni Chair Bo Dean, class '03.

Leadership Wilmington is a joint effort of the Greater Wilmington Chamber of Commerce and UNCW. Over a nine-month period, they provide an in-depth opportunity to engage citizens in the region. Leadership Wilmington aims to educate, challenge and motivate leaders and future leaders to utilize their leadership skills for the betterment of our community.

Alumni of the program are eligible to be nominated by their peers and by community members to be recognized for outstanding service. In addition to Sutton, two finalists were recognized as nominees for this award: Jorge Figueroa of Wilmington Health Access for Teens and Rick Hairston of Carolina Canines. The Leadership Wilmington Alumna/us of the year is chosen by the previous winners of this distinction including Ben David, Russ Thompson, Annette Anderson, Roger Rains, and Donna Flake.

Media Contact: Bo Dean, Chair, Leadership Wilmington Alumni, 910.962.4181, deanb@uncw.edu

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