The 12th Annual 
Celebration of Leadership
April 19, 2007
6pm Reception; 7pm Program
Carter Hall
University of Southern Indiana

                       2007 Speaker
                    2007 Nominations

2007 Nominations
The following is the final list of nominees.  A total of 82 nominations were received.

Division: Individual
Category: Arts
Karen & Niel Ellerbrook - Karen & Niel Ellerbrook personify servant leadership. Their shared dedication, generosity, passion and vision, will have lasting impacts on the children, families and residents of the Tri-State.
Nominated by Koch Family Children's Museum of Evansville and Bob Jones

Susan Hardwick - Susan Hardwick has an amazing talent for understanding and helping other individuals and organizations to identify the best avenue for success and to achieve it. She demonstrates this through supervising the building of a significant corporate art collection at Vectren Corporation in partnership with the Evansville Museum, concentrating on Indiana artists, but also, providing opportunities for artists in the greater Mid-West.
Nominated by John Streetman

Cedric Hustace - Cedric Hustace is an Evansville, Indiana artist, though his commissioned works are on display throughout the world. Our community enjoys the benefit of his wonderful works in a variety of homes and offices. His commemorative posters have benefited many non-profit organizations and their many fundraisers.
Nominated by Rebecca Alcorn

Deena Laska - Educator, dancer, choreographer and arts advocate. Deena is not only a creative dynamo, but a major contributor to the flourishing health of the Evansville arts scene.
Nominated by Lenny Leibowitz, Valerie Uhr & Diane Helfrich

Leah Robling - Leah has been a dancer/theatre performer all her life, but for the past 14 years she has become immersed in the art of belly dance. She has worked with countless belly dancing gurus as well as providing a "sanctuary for the sacred feminine" for other women seeking the same peace and fulfillment from dance.
Nominated by Katie Miller

John Streetman - In his more then 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, while still finding time to take a proactive part in the cultural life of the community. Whenever possible, he has particularly focused on using the Museum as a forum for the ideas and talents of emerging American artists.
Nominated by Kristi Knight

Division: Individual
Category: Education
Pat Colter - Pat Colter serves as volunteer facilitator of the Leadership Warrick County program.  The program is in its fifth year and doing great - largely due to Pat Colter's leadership.
Nominated by Purdue Cooperative Extension Service - Warrick County

Paula Guzzo - Paula Guzzo, is advocate, trainer, consultant and Regional Program Specialist for IN*SOURCE, the Indiana Resource Center for Families with Special Needs. She exemplifies the epitome of service leadership in her efforts to assure effective educational programs and appropriate services for children and young adults with disabilities.
Nominated by Ann Nagy

Pastor Larry A. Rascoe, Sr. - Pastor Larry A. Rascoe, Sr. is a humble man of faith, strong in character, loves family, and is committed to his community. Pastor Rascoe is the founder of the Joshua Academy and he has a passion for the betterment of education for our children.
Nominated by Joshua Academy Board

Connie Robinson - Connie Robinson is a dedicated female minority business owner and city council member. Her drive and determination in both her volunteer and business life have made her an outstanding member of our community as well as a positive role model to our community's young women.
Nominated by Donna Leader

Division: Individual
Category: Neighborhood & Community Organizations
Jim Brown - Jim Brown is not a native Evansvillian, but he has adopted our city as his hometown since 1995. His commitment, professionally and personally, to making our city a better place to live, work and play affects most residents' daily life although they are unaware of it. It is time they are told.
Nominated by Marilee Fowler

Allison Comstock - Allison Comstock is an attorney at Kahn, Dees, Donovan & Kahn and the President of the Board of Trustees for the Vanderburgh Community Foundation. She is bettering her community through her passion, vision and collaboration leadership.
Nominated by Vanderburgh Community Foundation

David Duell - Dave used his extraordinary talent in sales to help countless at-risk elementary school children to receive new warm clothing as the president of Santa Clothes Club.
Nominated by Sharon Duell

James B. Gillenwater- James is a sincere, dedicated man who is qualified and devoted to any project he has been delegated.  As a totally Disabled Vietnam Veteran, Jim returned to Civilian Life and immediately started helping Veterans and his community in any way he could.
Nominated by Phil Hoy

Rick Kersting - Rick Kersting is one of our community's truest servant leaders. He makes a habit of serving others, and always with a smile.
Nominated by Ron Ryan

Jeff Lyons - Jeff Lyons is a well-known, well-respected local celebrity. He is also talented, affable and funny. This leads to the impression that what he does is easy, comes naturally, is no big deal because he more or less acts like it is no big deal. But Evansville ARC's Really Big Show is a definitely a big deal. Its success is reliant upon numerous people's efforts, yes, but Jeff's contribution could be referred to as the core of the show.
Nominated by Laura Libs

Ruth Milgate - Ruth Milgate is a woman dedicated to helping women become the healthy and whole individuals they were created to be; her faith and focus on this vision is not only unwavering, but amazing and contagious as well.
Nominated by Jonelle Broshears and Janice Bien

Pearlie Miller - Pearlie Miller is a retired schoolteacher and she understands the hardships that some families endure. She betters her community by being involved in the Hot Food Center of Harvest Time Inner City Ministries and the After School Program - " Afternoons R.O.C.K.S." which is located in the Center City of Evansville.
Nominated by Lu Porter

G. Michael Schopmeyer - Mr. Schopmeyer recently completed a two year commitment as the Chairman of the Board of Directors for the Chamber of Commerce of Southwestern Indiana. During his tenure, Mike led the effort to unify the Metropolitan Evansville Chamber of Commerce with the Posey County Chamber of Commerce.
Nominated by Steve Schaefer

Joseph Vezzoso - The Hadi Shrine Circus is a vital part of the Holiday season in Evansville. The money raised by the "Circus" and the charitable designation by the Shrine make it the premier fundraiser in Evansville. With Joe's volunteerism and long hours of leadership, most in the community assume "it just happens". His commitment to helping others through this Evansville tradition has brought happiness and joy to a wide diverse, multi-cultural portion of our community.
Nominated by Bob Whitehouse

Division: Organizations
Category: Arts
Evansville Museum Docent Association - An affiliated group of the Evansville Museum, the Evansville Museum Docent Association consists of 31 active volunteers who consistently provide quality educational experience for groups of all ages. The docents support the Museum's mission to be a strong community partner through curriculum-based touring in art, history, science and anthropology.
Nominated by Susan Donahue

Division: Organizations
Category: Education
Bethlehem United Church of Christ - Pastor Eric Stroshine of Bethlehem United Church of Christ and his church family "adopted" Howard Roosa Elementary School two years ago. Pastor Stroshine said that he and his church felt strongly about "giving back" to the community.
Nominated by Patricia Day-Kohlman

Dolly Parton's Imagination Library - The Dolly Parton Imagination Library promotes literacy and brightens futures by mailing Tri-State children a free book every month until their fifth birthday.
Nominated by Deaconess Foundation and The Women's Hospital

The Reitz Home Museum - The Reitz Home Museum is "Preserving & Sharing Our Past" for the benefit of students and visitors in the tri-state area and from around the world through live tours, mystery events, and Victorian lawn parties involving a myriad of individuals from all walks of life. The Home serves as the catalyst that brings everyone together.
Nominated by Rebecca Alcorn
 
Division: Organizations
Category: Government & Public Service
Angel Mounds State Historic Site - Angel Mounds State Historic Site combines an archaeological site, interpretive center, and nature preserve, offering year-round educational programming and providing a venue for a variety of community events.
Nominated by Patrick Thomas

The Chamber of Commerce of Southwest Indiana - The Chamber of Commerce of Southwest Indiana serves its members and leads our region by fostering an innovative business, educational, cultural and governmental environment that excels in a global marketplace.
Nominated by Laurel Meny

Evansville Association for the Blind, Inc. - The Evansville Association for the Blind, Inc.'s mission is an organization committed to assisting disabled or disadvantaged persons, particularly the visually impaired, by empowering them through diverse services to live and work in the community.
Nominated by Darrell & Karen Ragland

Evansville Vanderburgh Public Library Board - The Evansville Vanderburgh Public Library Board is comprised of outstanding members of the community who are dedicated to making the Evansville area the best place it can be. This board had the compassion and forethought to donate the former North Park Library Building to Holly's House.
Nominated by Brian Turpin

Warrick County Drunk Driving & Drug Court Program - The Warrick County Drunk Driving & Drug Court Program combines judicial intervention with treatment and strict supervision to qualified alcohol and drug abusing offenders in hopes of transforming and rebuilding their lives. By returning sober, productive, and law-abiding citizens to the community and to their families, the program will ultimately help close the revolving door to the criminal justice system and decrease the chance for relapse.
Nominated by Patrick Thomas

Division: Organizations
Category: Health & Social Service
AIDS Resource Group - The AIDS Resource Group of Evansville (ARG) is a comprehensive social service agency that provides care coordination, supportive care, emergency financial assistance, referral services and much more to those living with and affected by HIV/AIDS. In addition, the agency is responsible for providing prevention education to the community at large, focusing on educating youth, substance users and others from contacting the disease.
Nominated by David Bothast

Ark Crisis Child Care Center - The mission of Ark Crisis in "to provide a safe place for children and strengthen families." The Ark Crisis emergency child care program provides child care for children of families in stress due to medical, financial, housing needs, counseling, unemployment, or abusive situations.
Nominated by Nancy Gump

Boys & Girls Club of Evansville - The Boys & Girls club of Evansville has been operating for 50 years, serving the most at-risk youth of our community. The programs and services provided by the Club have changed, often times saved, the lives of thousands of children.
Nominated by Steve Parker

Community Marriage Builders - Community Marriage Builders is a non-profit organization dedicated to educating and equipping the community for a lifetime of marriage.
Nominated by Ann Gries, Ph. D

Jacob's Village - Jacob's Village is a non-profit organization whose mission is to support adults with functional disabilities who need assistance with daily living. The Village provides residential and program options for people with functional disabilities who are seeking accessible housing and support in developing life skills, interests and maximum independence.
Nominated by Brian Ball

Division: Organizations
Category: Neighborhood & Community Organizations
Evansville Morning Rotary - The Evansville Morning Rotary is a diverse group of men and women who are dedicated to serving those in need in a number of ways. They work on projects that include, but are not limited to the following: health, hunger, environmental concerns, literacy, drug abuse, cancer awareness, and working with senior citizens and youth. Their motto is "Service Above Self".
Nominated by Sheila Huff

Make a Difference - In the summer of 2005, Greg Curtis and the volunteers from the Make a Difference gathered together enough resources to give away 52 bicycles to children in the City of Evansville Parks and Recreation program.
Nominated by Dave Schutte

NECA Southern IN Chapter, IBEW Local 16, Teamsters Local 215 - One of our community's most popular annual traditions - which is also one of the area's largest charitable projects - would not exist without IBEW Local 16, the Southern Indiana Chapter of NECA and Teamsters Local 215. The unprecedented joint efforts of the International Brotherhood on Electrical Workers, National Electrical Contractors Association and Teamsters have made Ritzy's Fantasy of Lights possible for 13 consecutive years.
Nominated by Easter Seals Rehabilitation Center

Division: Projects
Category: Arts
Art for Life (AIDS Art Auction) - Art for Life, the 3rd Annual Art Auction, raised over $20,000 and sought extensive community support to raise funds for HIV and AIDS in our local community, and to raise awareness about HIV and AIDS in the Tri-State.
Nominated by Andrew Essary

Lauren Greenfield's Girl Culture Exhibition - The Girl Culture project is a master collaboration of the Evansville Museum, The Women's Hospital and The Girl Scouts. The three groups created a steering committee that webbed 23 organizations that brought together the entire community to discuss girls and their issues in our culture.
Nominated by Mary Bower

Division: Projects
Category: Education
Plaza Park Middle School Walking Club - The Plaza Park Middle School Walking Club provides daily morning exercise for students and staff. All participants wear pedometers and track their mileage. Prizes and public acknowledgement of participants provide added incentives for participation. A designated walking track within the school building allows for everyone to participate including the wheelchair-bound students.
Nominated by Betsy Hopkins and Dave Schutte

TSA Diversity Training Project - The TSA Diversity Training Project works to provide cultural competency training to area university classes, social service agencies, churches, businesses and other community organizations. The goal of the project is to provide comprehensive cultural competency training to these organizations and agencies, so that they can better serve the public.
Nominated by Andrew Essary

University of Evansville Freshman Service Project - For the past seven years, as part of the University's orientation activities for new students, new freshmen are encouraged to participate in a service project in the community taking them to organizations in need throughout the area.
Nominated by Jack Barner

Division: Projects
Category: Government & Public Service
Dragons on the Ohio - Dragons on the Ohio is an incredibly innovative and unique cultural experience for our community. The Festival is a genuine celebration of culture and diversity for our entire community and region to enjoy.
Nominated by Marilee Fowler

Hoosier Voices for I-69 - Hoosier voices for I-69 is a public advocacy coalition comprised of citizens, elected officials, businesses and organizations from across Indiana. The mission of the coalition is to support the approval, funding and construction of a direct route extension of Interstate 69 from Indianapolis to Evansville.
Nominated by Steve Schaefer

Front Door Pride - Front Door Pride (FDP) is a comprehensive project plan created by the City administration to revitalize Evansville' s inner-city neighborhoods with new housing, infrastructure improvements, and the rehabilitation of exiting homes. The goal of FDP is to create mixed-income and culturally diverse neighborhood communities comprised primarily of homeowners who can live and raise their families in a safe, secure, and healthy environment.
Nominated by Thomas Coe

Division: Projects
Category: Health & Social Service
Boys & Girls Club Christmas Store - The Boys & Girls Club Christmas Store is a collaborative project between the Boys and Girls Club, the Junior League of Evansville and the Tri-State Food Bank. The time, talent and treasures of many are shared with this project.
Nominated by Junior League of Evansville

St. Mary's/Vectren Child Passenger Protection Program - St. Mary's/Vectren Child Passenger Protection Program is a pioneering collaboration between St. Mary's Trauma Services and Vectren Foundation that ensures children and their families have tools and the knowledge to travel safely, and to prevent intentional and unintentional injuries and death among children. The purpose of this program is to reduce the death or injury to children attributed to traffic crashes in Vanderburgh, Warrick, and Posey Counties via education to the public concerning the need for seat belts and child safety seats, as well as their proper installation.
Nominated by Sherri Stokes

Discovering You - Discovering You is a Girl Scout leadership development project for girls in thirteen Title 1 / Twenty-First Century After-School Programs and in summer enrichment programs throughout the Evansville area. Discovering You promotes Girl Scout values in a safe environment that encourages girls to develop courage, confidence, and character, and to accept personal responsibility for making the world a better place.
Nominated by Marcia Clouse

The Goodwill Family Center - Since 1992, the Goodwill Family center has been providing quality transitional housing and supportive services to homeless families and individuals. Last year, 21 families consisting of 23 adults and 41 children resided at the family center.
Nominated by Judi Early

IDEAL Day - IDEAL Day provided members of our community who have disabilities an opportunity to participate in activities that normally would be prohibitive for them.
Nominated by Sue Schriber

Little Lambs - Little Lambs is an organized group that addresses the needs of parents seeking help with infant needs.
Nominated by Jack Schriber

Tri-State Food Bank Backpack Food for Kids Program - The Tri-State Food Bank's Backpack Food for Kids Program, initiated in April, 2006, feeds hungry at-risk children, on weekends, ages 5 through 18, that participate in the Vanderburgh Co School Corporation's Free and Reduced Lunch Program.
Nominated by John Hillenbrand

Division: Projects
Category: Neighborhood & Community Organizations
12 Days of Caring - The "12 Days of Caring" series in the Evansville Courier and Press for the past 3 years provides a personal way to connect those in need with those who want to help.
Nominated by Ray Murray

Special Kids Day - Special education students of the Evansville-Vanderburgh School Corporation were invited to Special Kids Day at the 2006 West Side Nut Club Fall Festival. They were treated to all of the attractions of the festival in a protected environment.
Nominated by Sue Schriber

Thirteen Weeks to Thirteen Miles - The YMCA and the volunteers who helped over 225 Evansville community members train and complete the Evansville Half Marathon.
Nominated by Amy Johnson

Division: Businesses/Institutions
Category: Arts
Old National Bank - Old National Bank is an ardent supporter of the EVSC/PEF Summer Musical and the Arts Council of Southwestern Indiana in-house gallery. In providing a public forum to display local artists, house awareness events, and school performances, ONB certainly inspires others to the common vision of the strength of the arts in our community.
Nominated by Jack & Sue Schriber

Division: Businesses/Institutions
Category: Education
The Women's Hospital - The Women's Hospital Spirit of Women / Community Education Programming consists of special events and programs offered to women of all ages and their families in Evansville and surrounding communities. These events cover a wide range of health topics focusing on various aspects of spiritual, mental, financial, and physical health.
Nominated by Cheryl Steinbacher

Division: Businesses/Institutions
Category: Government & Public Service
South Central Radio Group - South Central Radio Group is proud to have served the Evansville community for 61 years. Each year South Central radio strives to treat all of our people and communities with respect and dignity. Local radio stations WIKY, WSTO, Jack FM, 96.5 The Wolf, and WABX lead our community in lending a helping hand when there is a need. All employees commit to making Evansville and its surrounding areas a better place for all people to live.
Nominated by Gail Knight Williams

Division: Businesses/Institutions
Category: Health & Social Service
The Brickhouse - The owners of Brickhouse, amid great disaster in the 2005 tornado, have maintained their commitment to the community by raising thousands of dollars for such charities as the American Red Cross, The Muscular Dystrophy Association, the TSA Youth Group and the Tri-State AIDS Christmas Project.
Nominated by Andrew Essary

Remembering November 6th Memorial Magazine - In the weeks before the one-year anniversary of a deadly tornado that wreaked havoc on the Tri-State, a group of women who'd suffered loss in the storm - from the death of a child to the destruction of their neighborhoods - sought the assistance of Tucker Publishing Group. Their desire was to produce a special commemorative book that would pay tribute to the victims and the survivors, and to the rescue workers who came to their aid. Recognizing the importance of the project for generations to come, Tucker Publishing Group put its own magazine's production on hold in order to answer the call for help. TPG staff members went above and beyond creating a powerful publication: They secured funding for the project, and designed a marketing plan aimed at raising $100,000 for the volunteer fire departments and rescue agencies whose own resources were taxed by the storm.
Nominated by Kathryn Martin

St. Mary's Hospital for Women & Children - For the past three years, St. Mary's Hospital for Women & Children has been one of three Ascension Health ministries involved in designing a safer labor and delivery experience - Idealized Design for Perinatal Care. Due to the commitment of family practice physicians, obstetricians, and labor & delivery nurses going above and beyond the normal work process, St. Mary's was included in an initiative whose practices are now being spread to hospitals nationwide.
Nominated by Sherri Stokes

Southwestern Indiana Mental Health Center, Inc. - Since 1971, Southwestern Indiana Mental Health Center, Inc. has provided a comprehensive array of mental health services in our community. As one of Indiana's community mental health centers, Southwestern serves approximately 8,000 patients in Gibson, Posey, Vanderburgh, and Warrick Counties each year.
Nominated by Erika Taylor

Division: Businesses/Institutions
Category: Neighborhood & Community Organizations
Casino Aztar - Eleven years ago, a new company came to town. to get here, they had to not only convince the local residents to allow them in, they had to get the state of Indiana to change the laws in order to allow them to operate. They recognized the controversy that surrounded them. But they came with a confidence that promised they would do good things for our community. Eleven years later, it is time to salute one of our best corporate citizens - Casino Aztar.
Nominated by Marilee Fowler