2005 Celebration of Leadership
Nominations List
Division: Individuals
Category: Arts
Helen Belleville is nominated for helping children express their inner thoughts and emotions through painting and art.
Nominated by Patchwork Central, Inc.
Beth Reasoner is nominated for her willingness to share her time and talent in the arts community, both as a performer and as an organizer.
Nominated by Randy Pease
December Warren is nominated for her dedication and commitment to children through her work with the Hands on Discovery Children's Museum.
Nominated by James E. Gentry, Jr.
Division: Individuals
Category: Education
Dr. Lora Becker is nominated for her dedication to educating our community about gay and lesbian issues and for her work with numerous community organizations.
Nominated by Wally Paynter
Sr. Margaret Carolyn Kissel, OSB is nominated for a life-long dedication to serving those in need and for her work with the Reading Carrel.
Nominated by Sr. Mary George Kissel, OSB
Robert L. Koch is nominated for his dedication to the creation and sustainability of the Signature Learning Center , and for his overall vision and commitment to the highest quality of education for our community.
Nominated by Courtney Downs
Dr. Nancy Kovanic is nominated for her commitment and dedication to fostering the awareness and appreciation of leadership and diversity in our community and region.
Nominated by Dr. Joy Peluchette
Michael K. Russ is nominated for his dedication to all EVSC students and for continually implementing new technologies to better serve students and their parents.
Nominated by Jason Bailey, Candice Dodson, Carol Hudson, Terry Hughes, Karen McBride and Mike Taylor
Division: Individuals
Category: Government & Public Service
Marcia Learned Au is nominated for superbly guiding the redesign and advancement of public library services in the Evansville-Vanderburgh community.
Nominated by Lezlie J. Simmons
Officers Billy Bolin and Paul Kirby are nominated for their vision to build the Kids Kingdom in downtown Evansville .
Nominated by David Schutte and by Phil Luecke
Sheriff Brad Ellsworth is nominated for tirelessly working as sheriff to make Vanderburgh County a better place to live, work and visit.
Nominated by Chief Deputy Sheriff Eric Williams
Randy Lewis is nominated for his commitment and dedication to bettering our community by being a servant leader to numerous organizations and for his dedication to raising community awareness for AIDS and HIV through his personal testimony.
Nominated by Wally Paynter
Frank F. McDonald, II is nominated for his dedicated service to Evansville as Mayor from 1987-2000.
Nominated by Lu Porter
Dan McGinn is nominated for his leadership in significantly improving Mesker Park Zoo & Botanic Gardens and for fostering leadership in those around him.
Nominated by Paul Bouseman, Diana Barber, Erik Beck, Sydney Dawson, Charlotte Roesner, and Stephanie Sanderson
Ted Sheppe is nominated for his selfless giving of time to leadership, organization of logistics, researching venues, communication with chaplains and other US Army officials for the Crossroad Church Choir Tours.
Nominated by Judy Rueger
The Honorable Jonathan Weinzapfel is nominated for his leadership as Evansville Mayor, for supporting numerous projects improving the quality of life in Evansville , and for encouraging city residents to get involved through the Traveling City Hall Program.
Nominated by Stacy Wybiral
Division: Individuals
Category: Health & Social Service
Andrea Baltzell, RN, BSN is nominated for her dedication to working with at-risk mothers at the Vanderburgh County Health Department, her work within the African American community and at St. Mary Catholic Church.
Nominated by the AIDS Christmas Project
David J. Carlson, M.D. is nominated for his selfless service to the community by giving of his time, talent and treasure, and our country by answering the call of duty and accepting the responsibility of two deployments.
Nominated by Linda White
Cary L. Hanni, M.D. is nominated for his countless hours of volunteer work for numerous community organizations and for raising the level of medical care available to our community through his leadership.
Nominated by Linda White
Debbie Hebbeler is nominated for bettering the community by embracing the Tri-State Multiple Sclerosis Association's mission to provide support, care, and hope to all those affected by MS.
Nominated by Karen Martin
Phyllis Kincaid is nominated for having the vision and energy to start Youth Resources and for bringing about positive change in the lives of our community's youth.
Nominated by Ann Burnworth
Linda McKimmy MSN, RN is nominated for her unwavering commitment to all the people associated with and served by the St. Mary's HOPE Cancer Resource Center "Sharing the Vision" outreach program.
Nominated by Jo Ann Winkler BSN, RN
Division: Individuals
Category: Neighborhood & Community Organizations
Wilfred C. “Bill” Bussing III is nominated for being a true servant leader and for supporting numerous community organizations throughout the community.
Nominated by the Vanderburgh Humane Society and by Jan Davies and by anonymous.
Fred Cook is nominated for a commitment to bettering our community, especially the center city, through his work with COIN, the Goosetown Neighborhood Association, and other organizations.
Nominated by Portia Cook
Sara B. Davies is nominated posthumously for her lifetime of service and dedication to our community as a collaborator and advocate for diversity, the environment, and servant leadership.
Nominated by Marjorie Donovan
Rev. Roger Duncan is nominated for his dedication to improving our community by serving in numerous capacities including Pastor of Eastview Missionary Baptist Church, President of COIN, and several other organizations.
Nominated by Lois Duncan
Paul Farmer is nominated for inspiring others to better our community by first challenging himself to be the best citizen possible, and for consistently reaching out to bring others in.
Nominated by Jayne Buthod
Steve Fritz is nominated for his contributions to our community for thirty years as a school teacher, coach, school administration official, church leader and YMCA volunteer.
Nominated by Ira Reasons
Betsy Grizzell Hopkins is nominated for her commitment to improving our community by sharing her gifts and talents with so many organizations.
Nominated by Valerie Brill
Judy House is nominated for being a servant leader to her family, the Evansville Minister's Wives Council, and countless individuals she has touched by serving.
Nominated by Tonda Pauley
Donna Martin is nominated for her gift of bringing people together to address community issues and for going beyond the call of duty as a community volunteer.
Nominated by the AIDS Christmas Project
Lu Porter is nominated for her unwavering service to our community and for being the “queen of diversity.”
Nominated by Rebecca S. Alcorn, CPA
Les Shively & Pat Shoulders are nominated for their sincere dedication to examining and addressing community needs and issues on their weekly television program on WNIN.
Nominated by Steve Cato
Dr. William Wooten is nominated for investing freely of his resources and time to further the dialogue on diversity in our community through the Rotary Club Regional Diversity Commission.
Nominated by Ben Hebebrand
Division: Organization
Category: Arts
Children's Center for Dance Education is nominated for making dance accessible to all children, regardless of race, creed or finance.
Nominated by the Committee for Community Relations, Children's Center for Dance Education
Crossroads Choir and Band is nominated for its inspiration, organization, motivation, and mobilization of more than 125 individuals to share their music and hearts with the community and for our military serving in Iraq and Afghanistan .
Nominated by Judy Rueger
Hebron Variety Show is nominated for providing opportunities for every child to have a moment in the sun, for enriching the lives of so many people, and for being a fundraiser benefiting the Hebron School .
Nominated by Marcia Forston
Synchronicity, Inc. is nominated for making a significant impact in the revitalization of Haynie's Corner by providing a venue for art, poetry, music, and numerous forms of artistic expression.
Nominated by Ron and Terry Boren
USI Theater Department is nominated for providing high quality theater in our region and for collaborating with numerous organizations to address social issues important to every community through theater.
Nominated by Tri-State Alliance Board of Directors
Division: Organization
Category: Education
Evansville Christian School is nominated for 30 years of providing a high quality, Christian education and equipping future leaders in our community.
Nominated by Paul Blair
Evansville Literacy Coalition is nominated for addressing literacy issues in our community and for promoting the vital importance of literacy to diverse communities.
Nominated by Betsy Grizzell Hopkins
The Reading Carrel, Inc. is nominated for thirty years of tirelessly working with young people needing help with reading and self-confidence.
Nominated by Sr. Mary George Kissel, OSB
University of Evansville Institute for Global Enterprise is nominated for establishing itself as a leader in the Evansville business community by inspiring and equipping local executives to advance their companies to global competitiveness.
Nominated by Marcia Dowell
Division: Organization
Category: Government & Public Service
Angel Mounds State Historic Site is nominated for significantly impacting the quality of life in our region, and for being a premier Native American archaeological site in North America .
Nominated by Patrick M. Thomas
Evansville Vanderburgh County Unification Study Committee is nominated for undertaking a tremendous project focused on analyzing the pros and cons of city-county government unification.
Nominated by Tony Williams
The Order of the Silver Rose is nominated for recognizing the courage, heroism, and contributions of American service personnel who have been exposed to Agent Orange in a combat rose.
Nominated by William “Bill” J. Butler, Jr.
Division: Organization
Category: Health & Social Service
Matthew 25 AIDS Services is nominated for providing the highest quality of care, treatment, education and support possible to those infected with and affected by HIV since 1996.
Nominated by Allen Browning
Muscular Dystrophy Association is nominated for assisting and inspiring individuals to do their best to live in our community with disabilities.
Nominated by Patricia Paynter
Youth First, Inc. is nominated for being the region's leader in the fight against teen substance abuse, and for breaking new ground with the Sober Up program.
Nominated by Carol Lynch
Division: Organization
Category: Neighborhood & Community Organizations
Canoe Evansville is nominated for bringing people together from all areas to realize the beauty and power of the natural resource that is the Pigeon Creek.
Nominated by John Wolk
City of Evansville Parks & Recreation Summer Adventures too is nominated for offering positive, healthy, and free activities for all children of our community.
Nominated by David Schutte
Connections for Life Program is nominated for significantly improving the quality of life of people with disabilities by recognizing their gifts and talents and engaging them in meaningful community volunteer work.
Nominated by Carmen Embrey
Evansville Parks Foundation, Inc. Board of Directors are nominated for being a group of leaders who "roll up their sleeves" and demonstrate commitment through active involvement in the Foundation's projects and events.
Nominated by Steve Parker
HOLA – Hospitality & Outreach for Latin Americans is nominated for reaching out to and helping Hispanics integrate in our community and for increasing the awareness of the cultural differences and the difficulties Hispanics face when new to this area.
Nominated by Pilar Tirado
Division: Project
Category: Arts
Art for Life: AIDS Art & Antique Auction is nominated for bringing together numerous artists, agencies, and community members to raise awareness about art, HIV and AIDS, and to raise money for HIV prevention and AIDS services.
Nominated by Jack & Sue Schriber
Brundibar is nominated for giving our community hope that the ignorance of prejudice, of any kind, will never occur again.
Nominated by the Evansville Vanderburgh School Corporation
Destination Evansville is nominated for being a community based project that embraces Evansville 's rich diverse culture and for fostering the growth of tourism in our community.
Nominated by Laura Libs
Mesker Park Zoo and Botanic Garden Recycled Art Contest is nominated for encouraging our community to think creatively regarding recycling and conservation, thus furthering the mission of the organization.
Nominated by Charlotte Roesner
Small Beginnings Mommy and Me Class is nominated for being an arts education outreach program bringing low-income mothers and their children together to foster self-expression, healthy body image, and self discipline.
Nominated by the Junior League of Evansville
Division: Project
Category: Education
Amani Reading Centre Project is nominated for creating an awareness and understanding of a need beyond ourselves by helping to establish a library in Kenya .
Nominated by Pat & Gale Miller
Expanding Your Horizons in Science, Mathematics and Technology: A Career Conference for Young Women in Grades 6, 7, 8 is nominated for nurturing girls' interest in science, math and technology so that more opportunities will be available to them in college and career choices.
Nominated by Joanne Artz
Division: Project
Category: Government & Public Service
Downtown Loft Grant Program is nominated for inspiring developers, realtors, property owners, businesses and the general public to look at Downtown in a new light, and for being a catalyst in rejuvenating Downtown residency.
Nominated by W. Gregg LaMar
Girls in Bloom is nominated for helping girls in our community find their "North Star" by helping them identify and celebrate their uniqueness and creativity.
Nominated by Suzanne Crouch & Patty Avery
Division: Project
Category: Health & Social Service
Destination Home: A Ten Year Journey to End Homelessness in Evansville and Vanderburgh County is nominated for bringing together over 200 volunteers who gave of their time, talent and energy to collectively work toward the vision of ending homelessness in Evansville and Vanderburgh County .
Nominated by the Evansville Coalition for the Homeless, Inc.
PEERS Project is nominated for addressing teen sexual health issues in our community and for empowering the teen population to encourage younger adolescents to live healthier lives.
Nominated by Lisa Cook
Division: Project
Category: Neighborhood & Community Organizations
All-America City Award Committee is nominated for creating national awareness regarding the collaborative and innovative nature of our community's problem solving capabilities and efforts.
Nominated by Mayor Jonathan Weinzapfel
Evansville African American Museum is nominated for being a collaborative effort seeking to instill pride in African American youth for their ancestry and awareness throughout the community of the rich heritage of African Americans.
Nominated by Lu Porter
Kids Kingdom is nominated for being a community collaboration project and for being a fantastic asset for families in the center city.
Nominated by David Schutte
Youth Resources Teen Advisory Council is nominated for being a civic-minded group of over 75 high school students annually completing hundreds of hours of community service, providing an example and inspiring their peers and our entire community to embrace a spirit of volunteerism.
Nominated by Krista Decker
Division: Business/Institutions
Category: Arts
Penny Lane Coffeehouse is nominated for providing a smoke-free, alcohol-free forum and audience for poets, musicians, and visual artists.
Nominated by Randy Pease
Division: Business/Institutions
Category: Education
EVSC Educational Resource Planning Initiative is nominated for bringing together a diverse group of people representing vastly different interests and perspectives to ensure every child in our community receives an excellent education.
Nominated by the Public Education Foundation, Inc.
Division: Business/Institutions
Category: Government & Public Service
Casino Aztar is nominated for being an extremely responsible corporate citizen by generously giving of time, energy and monetary support to numerous community organizations.
Nominated by Steve Parker
Gaither Rutherford & Co., LLP is nominated for fostering a work environment that supports employee volunteerism and for devoting countless hours to bettering our community through working with numerous non-profit organizations.
Nominated by Rebecca S. Alcorn, CPA
Someplace Else is nominated for a commitment to bettering our community by raising money on a monthly basis for charities, including HIV and gay/lesbian organizations and other organizations providing relief for families in need of basic necessities.
Nominated by Tri-State Alliance Board of Directors
Division: Business/Institutions
Category: Health & Social Service
Deaconess Hospital is nominated for taking children's health care in the tri-state to a whole new level through a partnership with the Riley Hospital for Children.
Nominated by Sam Rogers
Evansville Living Magazine “Soirees” is nominated for significant support of and dedication to providing recognition and publicity for numerous non-profit organization's activities and events.
Nominated by Ron Ryan
Division: Business/Institutions
Category: Neighborhood & Community Organizations
Mead Johnson Nutritionals/Bristol-Myers Squibb is nominated for celebrating 100 years of conscientious citizenship, extending a helping hand for worthwhile causes, and supporting a clean and healthy environment.
Nominated by Jeffrey Berger
Victoria National Golf Club is nominated for providing significant financial support for numerous non-profit organizations in our community through high quality golf tournaments.
Nominated by Ben Hebebrand