The 11th Annual 
Celebration of Leadership
April 6, 2006
Carter Hall
University of Southern Indiana


Jefferson Awards
Underwriters
Nomination Form
2007 Speaker
2007 Nominations

Past Recipients (1999-2003)
2004 Nominees List
2004 Award Recipients
2005 Nominees List
2005 Award Recipients
2006 Nominations

2006 Nominations
The following is the final list of nominees.  A total of 84 nominations were received.

Division: Individual
Category: Arts

Alice May, Alma Vaughn & Dallas Suhrheinrich - In the history of our city, no three individuals have done more to advance the betterment of our community.  Whether it is in education, theatre, music or art, as individuals or as a group, these women made a profound impact on the city of Evansville, Indiana.
Nominated by Jack Schriber and Amy Walker

Jack Schriber - In Evansville, Arts Education and Jack Schriber are one in the same. Jack has been a part of the PEF's Summer Musical Productions since its conception. In fact, he was one of the teachers in the original group that envisioned and developed the program.
Nominated by Suzanne Aiken

Jon Siau - Jon is a true leader in the community of artists, educators, and our entire community. His work in arts and education, especially at North High School, deserves celebration.
Nominated by Bill & Joann Hussmann

John Streetman, III - In his more than 30 years as the longest serving Director of the Evansville Museum, John has led the institution to unprecedented growth in exhibitions, programming, publishing and facilities, bringing the Museum - - and the City - - national attention, wile still finding time to take a proactive part in the cultural life of the community. Wherever possible, he has particularly focused on using the Museum as a forum for the ideas and talents of emergin American artists.
Nominated by Wally Paynter


Division: Individual
Category:
Education
Dr. Darrel Bigham - Dr. Darrel Bigham, Professor of History and Director of Historic Southern Indiana, has been an outstanding leader, researcher, and author. He has greatly contributed to our local historical perspective.
Nominated by Mike Bevers

Pat Colter - Pat Colter serves as volunteer facilitator of the Leadership Warrick County program. The program is in it’s fourth year and doing great – largely due to Pat Colter’s leadership.
Nominated by the Purdue Extension - Warrick County (Gary Michel, Mary Lou Elbert and Carla Kidwell)

Kevin Kim Fillingim - He has been dedicated to the music education of young people through instrumental and keyboard classes in the EVSC for the past 17 1/2 years. He is always willing to implement new teaching techniques to better serve the students, which ar always his first priority.
Nominated by Mary Fillingim

Sister Margaret Carolyn Kissel, O.S.B. - Sr. Margaret Carolyn Kissel loves teaching, so she helps others love learning. She is a dedicated teacher who spends hours and hours making worksheets for "slow learners" and "failures."
Nominated by Sister Mary George Kissel, O.S.B.

Suzanne A. Nicholson - Suzanne Nicholson will retire this summer after 20 years as USI Director of Development and President of the USI Foundation where she has had enormous impact on community involvement and university program expansion.
Nominated by Sherrianne Standley

Lynn Renne - Whether she is teaching children to make melody, bringing people together to reach a common goal, helping others to live better, or providing vision, Lynn has always and will always give her all. She is a soldier who pushes on and will never leave a task half finished. You will know the mark she leaves because music floats about it.
Nominated by Paula Adams

Dan Schenk - Dan Schenk is the ultimate gentleman. He genuinely cares about everyone with whom he comes into contact - but also emphasizes the health, well-being, education accessibility and advancement opportunity of all area young people.
Nominated by Ann Burnworth

Mike Vea - Mike Vea, Chairman, President and CEO of Integra Bank Corporation, has 25 years of experience in financial services segments. He has led the successful turnaround of Integra during the past few years. Mr. Vea is active in Education, Economic Development, and the Arts. He recently led a community-wide Blue Ribbon Commission to evaluate and improve Evansville's K-12 public education system. He serves on the boards of the University of Evansville, University of Southern Indiana Foundation, Mayor's Education Roundtable, Charter Signature School, Vision-e, Evansville Chamber of Commerce, and Evansville's Regional Business Committee.
Nominated by Amy Walker and Jack Schriber

Division: Individual
Category: Government & Public Service

Lou Ames - Lou Ames is nominated for his ongoing dedication to our community through his involvement with the Fantasy of Lights, the Boys and Girls Club of Evansville, the NECA and IBEW, and numerous other community organizations.
Nominated by William N. "Bill" Cooper

Charles "Charlie" Browning - Charlie Browning is nominated for being a one-of-a-kind man who honors the individuality of each person he meets.
Nominated by Deaconess Ohio Valley Hospice

Holly Dunn Pendelton - Holly Dunn Pendleton has worked hard to bring a domoestic and sexual violence advocacy center to Evansville. She also has trained every member of the Evansville Police Department in how to assist victims of sexual violence.
Nominated by Det. Brian Turpin


Amy Oxford - Although suffering from lupus and other debilitating health problems, Amy co-founded a non-profit volunteer organization, SI Yellow Ribbon, focused on supporting deployed military and their families. What began as a local effort has gained national attention and become a support organization for thousands of military personnel overseas and their families in the United States.
Nominated by Kathy Williams


Mike Whicker - Mike Whicker is a teacher, author and devoted patron of the importance of history as a learning experience. His leadership style is one that "walks the walk" without talking much about his efforts.
Nominated by Laura Libs


Division: Individual
Category: Health & Social Service

Steven E. & Terri Chancellor - Steven E. and Terri Chancellor have devoted countless hours of time and resources to enhance the lives of tri-state residents. Their dedication to and involvement with numerous organizations and charities have provided positive change in the community.
Nominated by Deaconess Health System

Angie Cooley - We've all heard the phrase, “when life hands you lemons, make lemonade.” That's exactly what I did when our son was sick and in the hospital as an infant. My son's illness and seven-week hospital stay opened my eyes to a need in our community. I came up with an idea, joined a group to help me achieve a goal, did research, developed support, enlisted fundraisers and turned an idea into a reality that has the potential to benefit every single family in the tri-state. Quite an achievement!
Nominated by self

Tonya Darrett-Williams - Tonya is nominated for being kind and caring and for treating all people with respect and dignity regardless of their circumstance.
Nominated by Lisa Powers

Ann Duncan - Anne Duncan has over 30 years experience providing wigs and hairpieces for men and women who have suffered total or partial hair loss due to illnesses(chemotherapy, alopecia, burns). She is the only one in the tri-state that provides this service.
Nominated by Lu Porter

Dr. Kevin Valadares - Dr. Kevin Valadares is a leader and an exemplary healthcare administration educator. He has served with distinction on a number of community boards and as a consultant to area health care providers.
Nominated by Nadine Coudret


Division: Individual
Category: Neighborhood & Community Organizations

Paula Adams - Paula inspires others to a common vision through example and teaching. Whether she is at home, in her neighborhood, at school or volunteering in the community, she inspires others by the way she conducts her life, the choices she makes and the way she takes responsibility for her own decisions and actions.
Nominated by Jane Vickers

Susann Beeson - Susann Beeson rallied behind the Boys & Girls Club, and played a critical leadership role in raising $51,000 to assist in keeping the Club’s Fulton Square Unit open for nearly 300 at-risk youth.
Nominated by the Boys & Girls Club of Evansville, Inc.

Adrian M. Brooks, Sr. - Adrian Brooks is nominated because of his love for mankind and his commitment to making a difference in everyone's life he comes in contact with.
Nominated by Tracey Williams

Amy Brown - Amy is nominated for her dedication to improving the health of our community through Canoe Evansville, Pickin' on the Pigeon and other programs of the Wesselman Nature Society.
Nominated by Randy Pease

Randy Brown - Randy Brown is one of the most dedicated and inspirational adult volunteers that has so unselfishly served on many of our youth agency's programs, Youth Resources,for over a decade. His passion to lead members in our mulitple youth programs, always with patience and a smile on his face, has motivated and influenced the lives of many youth and adults forever.
Nominated by Missy Johnson

Greg Curtis - Greg is nominated for making "going above and beyond the call of duty" a daily routine and for his dedication to Make a Difference.
Nominated by David Schutte

Carolyn Harman - Carolyn Harman is a dedicated servant for the poor. She possesses great organizational skills and has an untiring spirit, drawing the best from everyone with her love, humility and example.
Nominated by Maurice Keller

Wayne F. Henning - Wayne has been a staple in this community for decades and the impact of his efforts will be felt for generations to come.
Nominated by Old National Bank

Mohammad I. Hussain, M.D. - Dr. Hussain is nominated for his many contributions to the tri-state including, among others: reaching out to others through local civic organizations, schools and churches; being a leader in the interfaith community; and for being an active leader within the Muslim community.
Nominated by Saiyid M. Shah, Ph.D.

Christine Keck - Christine is nominated for her dedication to our community professionally, socially and charitably, and especially for her contribution in the area of historic preservation.
Nominated by Len Devaisher

Adam B. Lee - Adam is nominated for organizing and conducting an annual washerboard tournament to benefit organizations such as the American Cancer Society and Riley Hospital.
Nominated by Julia Lee

Earl McDaniel - Earl McDaniel sponsored a Habitat house in the fall of 2005 and used the sponsorship to make others aware of Habitat.
Nominated by Habitat of Evansville

Karen Ragland - Karen is nominated for her servant leadership in working with young people in our community and especially as director of the YMCA DIAMONDS program.
Nominated by Darrell Ragland


Eduardo Ruiz - Eduardo started a bilingual Spanish newspaper in May 2005 out of his home, with his own money. He works two jobs in addition to the newspaper, but still commits so much dedication, effort and many, many hours to the newspaper each month.
Nominated by Tara Grace-Ruiz

Brian Wallace - Brian is nominated for his work with Dickens on Main Street, and for his involvement with Impact Christian Health Center.
Nominated by Crossroads Christian Church

Angela Watson - Angela is nominated for her contributions to her job, for her drive in the community, for her effot in starting "Mothers at War," and for her dedication as a loving mother.
Nominated by Antwan Henry


Division: Organizations
Category: Arts

Museum Alliance of Downtown Evansville - The Museum Alliance of Downtown Evansville (MADE) is a cooperative effort by five not-for-profit organizations to promote downtown Evansville as a museum destination, thereby enhancing tourism in the greater Evansville community. The five organizations collaborate periodically on events, exhibits, marketing strategies and fundraising.
Nominated by Mayor Jonathan Weinzapfel

Synchronicity Inc. - Synchronicity provides leadership and inspiration to Evansville area artists, and for being dedicated to the revitalization of Haynie's Corner and the surrounding neighborhoods.
Nominated by Julie Byczynski

University of Southern Indiana Theatre - University of Southern Indiana ( USI ) Theatre presents four productions each year for the USI and greater Evansville community, striving for a balance between the educational needs of the USI students involved in the productions and audience needs for outreach, education and entertainment. Productions range from comedy to drama to musical, from classics to modern productions that address contemporary societal issues.
Nominated by Amy Estes


Division: Organizations
Category: Education

Joshua Academy Charter School - Joshua Academy opened its doors as a new charter school in August 2004. Since that time the enrollment has tripled at the school.
Nominated by Pamela Decker

Public Education Foundation of Evansville, Inc. - Incorporated in November, 1985, the Public Education Foundation of Evansville, Inc. (PEF) is a non-profit organization whose mission is to encourage and assist the public education process and promote strong community support for public education. In the past 20 years, PEF has raised and awarded over $4.3 million for innovative academic based projects and programs that have benefited students in all Evansville and Vanderburgh County public schools.
Nominated by Amy Walker

The Reading Carrel, Inc. - The Reading Carrel is the most unique Reading Clinic in the Mid-West. The main goal is to teach "slow learners" and "failures" to read, build their self-confidence and give them a positive self-image.
Nominated by Sister Margaret Carolyn Kissel, O.S.B.

Signature School - The mission of the Signature School is to meet the needs of self-motivated learners in a progressive environment driven by global concerns. The School emphasizes rigor and excellence in academics, the arts, and integrated technologies.
Nominated by Katie Miller & The Posse


Division: Organizations
Category: Government & Public Service

RSVP - Retired & Senior Volunteer Program - RSVP volunteers, most being in their 70's & 80's, are a vital asset to the betterment of the community. This due to the 55,000 hours of volunteer service given to the community annually.
Nominated by Nancy Chreste

Veterans Council of Vanderburgh County, Inc. - A massing showing of support was organized by the Veterans Council for Private Pfender's family. This effort was organized not only to show respect and gratitude to a fallen comrade, but also to protect the family from the protestors who came to our city who attempted to show disrespect and disgrace for the loss of life during our troubled times.
Nominated by Katie Miller

West Side Nut Club - "From little acorns, big trees grow." The Westside Nut Club believes in growing our community by providing countless volunteer hours and many dollars raised to better our community. The Westside Nut Club is a civic minded organization that has been helping the community for 85 years and also helps other not for profits further their causes though raising funds during the Fall Festival.
Nominated by Rick Kersting


Division: Organizations
Category: Health & Social Service

Business Advisory Council of Evansville Goodwill Industries, Inc. - The Business Advisory Council of Evansville Goodwill Industries, Inc. is comprised of management, human resource, training, and supervisory personnel from 23 local business and educational organizations. The members of the Business Advisory Council volunteer their time and expertise to help promote Goodwill's placement services to local employers, secure job leads for Goodwill program participants that result in long-term benefited employment, supply advise and support to Goodwill staff and participants relative to hiring practices and job search strategies, and make connections between employers and Goodwill clients.
Nominated by Judi Early

Family Practice Center - For providing the highest quality of care to patients, and for providing thorough training for its employees not just in the realm of medicine, but also in mind, body and spirit.
Nominated by Karen Ragland

Matthew 25 AIDS Services, Inc. - Matthew 25 AIDS Service, Inc. is a leading health care/social service organization providing quality care to those infected and affected by HIV/AIDS. Their goal is to treat not just the disease, but the whole person, mind, body and spirit.
Nominated by Linda Wicks

United Way of Southwestern Indiana - United Way of Southwestern Indiana is a community organization that helps more people than any other local charity. They help improve the lives of 89,000 men, women and children each year.
Nominated by Ann Burnworth


Division: Organizations
Category: Neighborhood & Community Organizations

Habitat of Evansville - Habitat of Evansville has consistently provided leadership in the area of housing for the socio-economically less fortunate among us.
Nominated by Ben Hebebrand

The Potter's Wheel, Inc.- The Potter's Wheel provides food, clothing and GED classes. It also has an emergency shelter for adult homeless pregnant women. During the past year basic survival supplies were distributed to disaster victims.
Nominated by The Potter's Wheel, Inc.

Rotary Club of Evansville - The Rotary Club of Evansville is the largest international service club in Evansville. With over 300 members, the club has made a significant impact in our community through its philanthropic and community service support.
Nominated by Jeffrey Berger

Soul Empowerment - Soul Empowerment is committed to improving the quality of life of families within our community through fitness and nutrition programs.
Nominated by Tom Pore

Division: Projects
Category: Arts

Amazing Grace (Children's Center for Dance Education) - CCDE presents "Amazing Grace", an African-American time line presented through music and dance. The program begins with a traditional African dance and includes a call and answer song and dance from the undergroud RR to Bessie Smith and the Harlem clubs. The newest addition to this program is a ballet tribute to Rosa Parks and her role in the bus boycott.
Nominated by Christine Kell

Art for Life - The Tri-State AIDS Art Auction united community leaders, 3 HIV/AIDS charities and artists from throughout the Tri-State, to raise money for HIV prevention and AIDS services. The event also helped raise awareness throughout the Tri-State of the impact of HIV and AIDS on our communities. The benefit was held on Friday, Nov. 18, at the Old National Bank in Downtown Evansville.
Nominated by Andrew Essary

NIA Dancers - The NIA Dancers are students from K thru middle school. They consist of girls and boys of all diversities. The dancers attend private, public and Catholic schools. The maximum number of dancers stand at 20 students. The dancers participate in community sponsored events as well as make regular performances at local nursing homes.
Nominated by St. John the Apostle Catholic Church NEEDS Program

Division: Projects
Category: Education

YWCA Live Y'ers - Live Y'ers is an after-school and mentoring program for at-risk girls in grades 3-12. Live Y'ers serves nearly over 200 girls in four schools - Culver Elementary, Lodge Elementary, Glenwood Middle School and Bosse High School.
Nominated by Courtney Edwards


Division: Projects
Category: Government & Public Service

100 Best Communities Application Committee - In October of 2005, Evansville received national recognition for being named by America 's Promise as one of the 100 Best Communities for Young People. The core application committee was comprised of: Youth Resources, Mayor Weinzapfel's Office, United Way of Southwestern Indiana, Evansville-Vanderburgh School Corporation, and the Boys and Girls Club.
Nominated by Dr. Dan Schenk

Today's Woman Professional Conference & Exposition - The Today's Woman Professional Conference & Exposition is a one-day event featuring workshops, seminars, keynote speakers and exhibits that provides a forum for Tri-State women to network, learn new skills and gain the motivation they need to grow and achieve.
Nominated by Tammy Elkins


Division: Projects
Category: Health & Social Service

All Evansville Media Outlets (Fox 7, WFIE 14, News 25, WNIN, WB, Courier and Press, Regent Communications and South Central Communications) - All the media outlets collaborated to hold telethons and fundraisers for the tornado victims that raised over $1.2 million.
Nominated by Trish Devoy, American Red Cross

Bike-to-Work Program - Bike-to-Work is a collaborative program to provide donated bicycles to homeless individuals to assist them in obtaining and maintaining employment.
Nominated by Luzada Hayes, Aurora

Playville, J.L.E. - Playville, J.L.E. eases the stress associated with admitting pediatric patients into the hospital. Through books, games, toys and more, Playville, J.L.E. provides pediatric patients, family and friends the opportunity to enjoy typical childhood activities during a hospital visit.
Nominated by Deaconess Health System

SAVE Program (Vanderburgh Medical Alliance) - The Vanderburgh Medical Alliance is a non-profit organization with a membership of over 200 Physician Spouses dedicated to the health of our community. The S.A.V.E. Program (Stop America's Violence Everywhere) utilizes materials developed by the American Medical Alliance to be used in violence prevention education programs in local schools. The VMA has developed a curriculum program packets and provides training for schools, teachers, caregivers and Alliance members to deliver directly to local students from Pre-Kindergarten to 5th grade through its S.A.V.E in Schools Project, Summer Programs partnering with the 21st Century Community Learning Centers and the Parks and Recreation Department, and Head Strong Anti-Bullying Residencies given in collaboration with Tales & Scales.
Nominated by Jeff Gruszewski

Sharing the Vision - The partnership between the Susan G. Komen Breast Cancer Foundation and St. Mary's Hope Resource Center works for underserved women throughout Southwestern Indiana. 'Sharing the Vision' is an innovative, life-saving program, targeting breast cancer education, screening, diagnosis, and support services.
Nominated by Sherri Stokes

Division: Projects
Category: Neighborhood & Community Organizations

After School Programs Team - The After School Programs Team of the School Community Council has made a commitment to bettering our community by sponsoring the 'Lights On' after school event.
Nominated by David Schutte

Habitat of Evansville Interfaith Build - Habitat of Evansville received a bequest in 2005 that was used for the first Interfaith Build in Evansville . This build brought together Christian, Muslim, and Jewish faith communities to provide a safe, decent, and affordable home for a deserving family in need.
Nominated by Habitat of Evansville

Division: Businesses/Institutions
Category: Arts

Art of Caring (United Way of SW IN) - United Way of Southwestern Indiana has hosted the "Art of Caring" for the past four years, featuring public exhibits of painted carousel horses, fish, cars and butterflies. This event showcases local artists by having them paint/decorate larger-than-life sculptures that are displayed for months in downtown Evansville before being auctioned to the public to raise money for local projects.
Nominated by Dave Schutte


Division: Businesses/Institutions
Category: Education

University of Evansville Department of Education- The UE Department of Education is nominated for its partnership with Dexter Elementary. U of E instructors and students are "Keeping the Lights on After School" by providing enriching classes and clubs for Dexter Braves to enjoy!
Nominated by Vicki Duncan

Division: Businesses/Institutions
Category: Government & Public Service

Mead Johnson Nutritionals - Mead Johnson Nutritionals has been a corporate leader in Evansville for 90 years. To celebrate their 100th anniversary, they gifted the Greenway Passage with $250,000. This donation enabled the Dept. of Parks & Recreation to supply the match for new construction of the trail from Fulton to West Franklin. The company gave the gift for the health and quality of life benefits the Greenway Passage brings to the citizens of Vanderburgh County.
Nominated by the Pigeon Creek Greenway Passage Advisory Board


Division: Businesses/Institutions
Category: Health & Social Service

St. Mary's Mobile Outreach - The St. Mary's Mobile Outreach service is nominated for helping make wishes come true in our community.
Nominated by David Schutte

Division: Businesses/Institutions
Category: Neighborhood & Community Organizations

Acclaim Graphics - Acclaim Graphics is a full service printer that provides Keep Evansville Beautiful with 100% in-kind printing for two years. It is a winner of the KEB Business of the Year Award.
Nominated by Keep Evansville Beautiful

Alcoa Warrick Operations - ALCOA is a past Business of the Year for Keep Evansville Beautiful due to its unwavering support of large scale local tree planting efforts. Also is still a steadfast supporter of KEB, most recently with the America Recycles Day sponsorship for Aluminum Recycling in November 2005.
Nominated by Keep Evansville Beautiful

Ameristamp Sign-a-Rama - Ameristamp Sign-A-Rama has provided the signs for the Adotp-A-Spot program for more than 17 years. The value of this in-kind gift is calculated at more than $1,000 annually.
Nominated by Keep Evansville Beautiful

Evansville Courier & Press - The local daily paper sponsors the Beautiful Business Program and the Great American Clean Up in partnership with Keep Evansville Beautiful.
Nominated by Keep Evansville Beautiful

Fifth Third and Old National Banks - Fifth Third Bank and Old National Bank are previous Business of the Year supporters of Keep Evansville Beautiful. These two banks have consistently taken the lead in supporting the clean community and the self-responsibility programs of Keep Evansville Beautiful.
Nominated by Keep Evansville Beautiful

Mead Johnson Nutritionals - Mead Johnson, a former KEB Business of the Year, has supported the community of Evansville and the ideal of a beautiful city for the entire 31 years of KEB's existance. Mead Johnson recognizes the value of tax-free investment in self-responsibility for a clean community and demonstrates this by its Adopt-A-Spot at John and Market Street.
Nominated by Keep Evansville Beautiful

Schnucks Markets - Schnucks Markets -- all locations but most especially via Mr. Kersting's community involvement -- is an extraordinary community supporter. In a tightly competive market, Schnucks has continued to make and keep its many scores of involvement commitments -- always at the ready with support for any not-for-profit in need.
Nominated by Keep Evansville Beautiful

South Central Communications & WIKY - South Central/WIKY is nominated for being a company that truly cares about the community and will do as much as they can in many different ways to help those who need assistance. It is a place that individuals can be proud to work and feel that the company they are a part of is a true leader in their community.
Nominated by Gail Knight Williams

Temple-Inland - Temple-Inland provides free trash receptacles to all area not-for-profit agencies to facilitate waste management for events, socials, gatherings and other festivities. The corporation has done this for more then 14 years and in 2005 alone, more than 8,000 sturdy cardboard receptacles were donated. Keep Evansville Beautiful, a member-funded not-for-profit clean community agency, manages this disbursal of the receptacles for Templ-Inland.
Nominated by Keep Evansville Beautiful

Vectren Corporation - Vectren is a past business of the year honoree by Keep Evansville Beautiful and is also a business that has a long history of supporting the member-driven, clean community work of KEB. Vectren has been a winner in the Beautiful Business program, a 2005 honoree for most improved property and is an ongoing interested partner and donor to the cause of civic improvements and public beautification programs.
Nominated by Keep Evansville Beautiful

Working Distributors - Working Distributors is a locally owned business that has consistently, year after year, donated their time, talent and treasures to a diverse group of organizations in the tri-state area.
Nominated by Rick Kersting