Friday, June 11, 2010

Government, nonprofit and corporate organizations and individuals make daily contributions to the health, welfare and prosperity of the local community through their public service initiatives. Their service will be honored at the eighth annual Public Service Recognition Reception from 6-8 p.m.. Friday, June 18 in the Burney Center at the University of North Carolina Wilmington.

The event is part of national Public Service Recognition Week, which honors federal, state, local and nonprofit employees in the United States. Categories for the awards include government individual, government organization, volunteer, nonprofit individual, nonprofit organization and corporate citizen.
 
Paul Wilkes, noted author, social entrepreneur, speaker and documentarian, will be the event’s keynote speaker. Wilkes, who lives in Wilmington, is one of America’s most respected writers on personal spirituality. He is the author of 20 books, numerous national magazine articles and the host, writer, director or producer of seven PBS documentaries. He lectures across the country on the role of religious belief in personal lives as well as the impact of religion on public life.
 
“Too often, the people and organizations that are on the frontline in our communities, working every day to initiate change and make a difference, are doing so without much thanks,” said Tom Barth, UNC Wilmington master of public administration professor and event organizer. “While they certainly don’t do what they do for the recognition, it’s important that we take the time to honor their service and acknowledge their contributions.”

The awards are presented by the UNCW Master of Public Administration Program, the Southeastern N.C. Chapter of the American Society of Public Administration and Quality Enhancement for Nonprofit Organizations.

2010 Nominees, Public Service Awards

Distinguished Leadership and Service Award
Elizabeth and Stephen Demski, formerly UNC Wilmington

Government Individual
Jane Daughtridge, New Hanover County
Louis Hesse, Town of Burgaw
Richard King, City of Wilmington
Melinda Knoerzer, Pender County
Antoinette Shields, New Hanover County
Captain Daniel Stahl, Wilmington Fire Department
Stacey Stevens, Brunswick County
Dave Weaver, New Hanover County

Government Organization
Bald Head Island Public Safety Department
Cape Fear Commutes 2035 Citizens Advisory Committee
Cape Fear Elder Abuse Prevention Network

Nonprofit Individual
Catrecia McCoy Bowman, SE Center for Mental Health
George Edwards, Wilmington Historic Foundation
Mary Ann Lama, Domestic Violence Shelter and Services
Laura Vinson-Garvey, St. Mary’s Dental Clinic

Nonprofit Organization
Brunswick Family Assistance Agency
Cape Fear Literacy Council
Ocean Cure
10 Year Plan to End Chronic Homelessness
Wilmington Interfaith Hospitality Network

Corporate Citizen
GE Hitachi Nuclear Energy
Port City Java

Volunteer
Eddie Hardgrove, Big Buddy
Dr. John Hickory, St. Mary’s Dental Clinic
Atiba Johnson, Five Kings
Ian Johnston, Boys and Girls Club
Bruce Maxwell, Computers for Kids
Jeremy Scott Page, Amigos Internacional
Scarlett Hill Perry, New Hanover County Schools
Rev. Rudy Shepard, Davis Community

Media are invited to capture interviews and visual opportunities at the awards ceremony.

Media Contact:
Dana Fischetti, media relations manager, 910.508.3127 or fischettid@uncw.edu