UNH Seeks Nominations for Community Leader of the Year Award
Students Will Host Black Tie Banquet and Ball Dec. 4

Contact: Sharon Keeler
603-862-1566
UNH Media Relations

September 25, 2003



DURHAM, N.H. -- Students at the University of New Hampshire wish to recognize the efforts of those who help foster rich and strong communities in the state by presenting the first-ever University of New Hampshire Community Leader of the Year Award.

The award will be presented at a black tie banquet and ball Thursday, Dec. 4, 2003, in UNH's new Holloway Commons. Organized and run entirely by students in the university's Community Development Program, the event will include a silent auction, dinner, award ceremony and dancing, with all proceeds going to a scholarship fund.

Three versions of the award will be presented including Community Leader of the Year, Community-Supporting Organization of the Year, and Student Community Leader of the Year. People are encouraged to nominate individuals and organizations they feel strengthen New Hampshire communities. Complete nomination details are available on the Web site: www.dred.unh.edu/award.htm or by calling 603-862-4811.

Letters of nomination should be no more than three pages, and should describe specific achievements and beneficial changes accomplished through the person's or organization's efforts. Include the nominee's full name and contact information, as well as your name and contact information. Nominations may be mailed, e-mailed or faxed to Prof. Kelly Giraud, coordinator of UNH's Community Development Program, 312 James Hall, University of New Hampshire, Durham, NH 03824, kelly.giraud@unh.edu, Fax: 603-862-0208. Nominations will be accepted until Nov. 1, 2003.

In addition to recognizing outstanding community leaders, Giraud says the purpose of the event is to connect students with these people and engage them in meaningful work that will enable them to fully integrate the concepts and theory of community development into real projects.

“Community development is very important in a place like UNH and by honoring these community leaders, we become more knowledgeable of what it is to be an effective part of a community,” freshman Meagan Sullivan said. First-year student Jacob Mabil added that he is interested in “what good things community leaders are doing, so we can use them as an example.”

Tickets for the event and are $50 if purchased before Nov. 15 ($75 after). Student tickets are $30 and faculty/community members are encouraged to “sponsor” a student. Tables (seats 6) may be purchased for $300, which includes a quarter-page ad in the program.

-30-