UT community heroes recognized
When the Jefferson Awards were created in 1975, they were meant to be a Nobel Prize for public service. Today, they inspire and motivate people to give back to their communities. In 2009, The University of Toledo joined the recognition program as one of the nation’s 27 Jefferson Award Champion partners.
“One of the goals of the champion program is to find unsung heroes at UT and make them heard,” says Lawrence J. Burns, vice president for external affairs and interim vice president for equity and diversity at UT. “People are out in the community making a difference every day. The Jefferson Awards are a great way to uncover some of these outstanding efforts made by our UT family.”
Each month, a local Jefferson Award is presented to a UT faculty member, staff member, employee or student. Selected by an internal review committee, the honoree receives a medallion and certificate and is the guest of honor at a luncheon hosted by UT's senior administration. One honoree is then chosen to represent UT at the annual Jefferson Awards National Ceremonies, which is held in Washington, D.C., each June.
Patricia Rizzi, a UT trauma nurse, was recognized as the 2010 annual Jefferson Awards “Champion” at UT. “Her daughter was murdered as a result of domestic violence,” recalls Burns. “Patricia turned her tragedy into something positive for others. She now dedicates her life to spreading awareness about abuse, ensuring reliable resources for victims, and helping people who have experienced, and even caused, domestic violence.”
Patricia is one of nearly 20 Jefferson Awards honorees. From a student who biked across the country to raise funds and awareness for people with disabilities, to a nurse who spends her spare time giving homeless animals human affection, Jefferson Awards recipients put the UT mission into action.
“The people of UT are constantly aware of the wants and needs in the community. Every day, they actively engage and improve lives in northwest Ohio,” says Burns. “The Jefferson Awards and the honorees are a great representation of how we are driving change to better our region.”
Do you know someone who is deserving of a Jefferson Award? Nominate them today at utoledo.edu/jeffersonaward. Or call (419) 530-7802 to find a volunteer opportunity that is right for you.
