UNH Seeks Nominations For Statewide Community Leader Of The Year Award

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

Oct. 21, 2004


 
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 Second Annual University of New Hampshire Community Leader of the Year Awards.
         
These awards will be presented at a black tie banquet and ball Wednesday, Dec. 1, 2004, at 6 p.m. 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.
    
 Four awards will be presented including: Community Leader of the Year, Community-Supporting Organization of the Year, Student Community Leader of the Year and UNH Campus Organization 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 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, 320 James Hall, University of New Hampshire, Durham, NH 03824, kelly.giraud@unh.edu, fax: 603-862-0208. Nominations will be accepted until Nov. 5, 2004.
     
In addition to recognizing outstanding community leaders, Giraud said 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,"said sophomore Meaghan Sullivan, of Salem, Mass. said.
     
Tickets for the event are $50 and can be purchased until Nov. 22. Student tickets are $30 and faculty/community members are encouraged to "sponsor" a student. Tables (seats 8) may be purchased for $350, which includes a half-page ad in the program.