Last month we traveled downstate to attend a local ceremony where my dad was to receive the Dr. Martin Luther King Outstanding Achievement Award. This award was presented by the cities of Champaign and Urbana, the Champaign County Board, Parkland College, and the University of Illinois to honor individuals who work for social justice in the spirit of Dr. King. It was a long time coming for my dad.
Papa, as our children call him, has for many years given his time to numerous ministries and organizations and also his local church. He has volunteered for Children's Home and Aid, Empty Tomb (an organization that connects wealthy Christians with Christians in need), counseled people who are re-entering life from the correctional system with Jesus is the Way Prison Ministry, chaired the board of a local mental health facility for the medically underserved, and he currently leads a chapel service every week at the Illini Heritage Rehab Center, just to name a few of his activities. His volunteer service has increased since his retirement from the University of Illinois as an Associate Professor of Social Work and Director of Field Placement for the School of Social Work.
But Papa is not one to toot his own horn. He was nominated for this award and we were happy to see him recognized for all his years of quiet service.
Papa was front page news!
After the ceremony we all went out to eat to celebrate
Congratulations, Papa on the recognition of service to your community! To read the newspaper article on my dad, click here.
Awesome! Congratulations to your dad!
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