News & Updates

For Release on 22, June 2006

Report to the Community Dinner

Retiring Board Members

• Bud Brady, Brady Ware
• Verne Clingenpeel
• Paul Lingle, Lingle Real Estate
• Allan Rosar

New Board Members taking office in June

• Tom Alberts, US Bank

• Jon Ford

• Dick Smith, Earlham College

• Chuck Todd, Charles Todd Law Office

• Bob Ramsey, Ramsey, Rodefeld, Kassens and North

Impact Grant Announcement/John Austin bio
Several years ago, the board of directors began discussing ways that the Foundation could have a greater impact through its grants to the community. In 2001, the board voted to set aside half of that year’s unrestricted grant funds to award a new grant, known as the Impact Grant. Since that time, the Foundation has awarded over $365,000 to projects that have far-reaching effects in this community.

As in other years, the Foundation’s Impact Grant is being directed to address a particular theme or topic. “Education” is the issue we believe to be one of the most pressing concerns in our community … and it is the one which we would most like to see improved in a meaningful way. In a departure from our usual process of calling for competitive proposals, however, this year’s Impact Grant represents the tools and encouragement for every public system junior high and high school student in the county to realistically consider the option of continuing their education … and accurately assess the means to make it happen.

On behalf of the Board of Directors, the Impact Grant committee is currently assembling a one-year pilot program in conjunction with Dave Murray and the National Center for College Costs that will better align and leverage existing financial resources … help students and their parents better understand and access higher education … and, we believe, lead to a higher percentage of Wayne County youth continuing their education after high school.

It is said that one who would be a leader must be a bridge. We believe these efforts will not only help bridge the gap between wanting and attaining an education, but also will lead to more opportunity … the opportunity for accelerated community growth.

In addition to the work with Mr. Murray, the Foundation has been and will continue to convene discussions to explore the link between education and economic development. We believe strongly that economic development hinges on a well educated workforce, and we are considering the ways in which we might best support this critical connection.

Tonight’s keynote speaker is well qualified to help us better understand how education makes a difference … and what we can do to improve education in Wayne County. With over 20 years of experience in public policy leadership, John Austin is a nationally recognized leader in economic development, education, and community revitalization.

He holds a master of Public Administration degree from Harvard’s Kennedy School of Government and is a non-resident senior Fellow with the Brookings Institution, as well as a Senior Fellow with the University of Michigan’s School of Education – Center for Higher Education and Postsecondary Education.

John recently served as Policy Director for Michigan’s Commission on Higher Education and Economic Growth and was the principal author of the Commission’s report. He co-authored the influential report Revitalizing Michigan Cities, with Michigan Future, Inc., and has spearheaded efforts of Michigan’s new Department of Labor and Economic Development to reshape Michigan’s economic, workforce and urban development agenda. Currently, he is working on an initiative for the Brookings Institution which is designed to improve the economic vitality of the Great Lakes states.

As you can see, John has a great deal of experience in the areas of economics and education and we will be drawing on that knowledge and expertise to bring a new perspective to higher education opportunities here in Wayne County.

Wickemeyer Award Speech
It was Anne Frank who said, “How wonderful it is that nobody need wait a single moment before starting to improve the world.” I think the people we are recognizing tonight with the Foundation’s Rodefeld and Wickemeyer Awards have long ascribed to that philosophy … as did the people for whom the awards are named.

Ruth Wickemeyer was the Foundation’s first paid executive … and it was under her direction that the organization grew from a well-intentioned committee of the Chamber of Commerce to a well-established community foundation with more than $8 million under management. Ruth passed away last year, but she will always be remembered for her intellect, her fundraising acumen, and her determination to succeed. Perhaps more importantly, she will always be known for maintaining the highest ethical standards and expressing true appreciation for even the smallest contributions.

The inaugural recipient of Ruth J. Wickemeyer Award for Community Service is a not-for-profit leader who clearly exemplifies those qualities that Ruth embodied. She has been the executive director of the local Easter Seals office for 31 years and routinely dedicates her time and efforts well beyond the required 40 hour week. During her tenure with the organization, she has implemented numerous fund-raisers that annually result in over $15,000 of financial support. Additionally, she organized a drive to raise money and gently used equipment for their medical equipment loan program, established the Therapeutic Tricycle Loan program and implemented a disability awareness education program in the area elementary schools. She has also worked to develop a camping program for people with special needs.

An active volunteer herself, she has given her time to the United Way, Centerville United Methodist Church, 4H, and the Wayne County Youth Center. She also works with youth to encourage them to become involved in their community.

As one of her nominators put it, the first ever recipient of the Ruth J. Wickemeyer Award for Community Service personifies community service. The selection committee – including Ruth’s daughters, Kendra Beisner and Kyle Hardy – agreed wholeheartedly … and it is our pleasure to present the inaugural Ruth J. Wickemeyer Award for Community Service … to Pat Bowers.

In addition to this award, we are presenting a check for $1,000 to the Easter Seals organization because it was the Easter Seals board chair and other volunteers who nominated Pat. Congratulations!

Rodefeld Award Speech
The late Charlie Rodefeld was a life-long Wayne County resident, successful businessman, and civic leader. It was Charlie who recognized that charitable giving is a uniquely effective means of promoting community spirit and enhancing the quality of life. It was Charlie who understood the potential for advancement that only a community foundation can leverage. And, by sharing his vision with others, it was Charlie Rodefeld who was instrumental in establishing the Wayne County Foundation in 1979.

Every year since 1994, the Foundation has recognized Charlie’s philanthropic spirit by presenting the Rodefeld Award. Recipients of this distinguished honor have demonstrated an exceptional commitment to their community through volunteer leadership and/or significant personal or corporate giving.

The breadth and depth of this year’s Rodefeld Award recipient’s involvement in the community perhaps makes him an “obvious choice,” but I assure you … there is more to his service and to his philanthropy than you know. John Seely Brown said, “The job of leadership today is not just to make money. It's to make meaning.” Our award recipient this year lives by that code day in and day out.

His way of “making meaning” is to lead by example. He is helping Reid Hospital realize its dream of building the New Reid. It is helping the YMCA, the Art Museum, and IU East. Over more years than he would like me to count, he has supported – financially and in every other sense of the word – the Symphony, the Civic Theatre, Star Gennett Foundation, Special Olympics, Habitat for Humanity, American Red Cross, the Boys and Girls Clubs, Camp Make A Dream, Cope Environmental Center, Boys Scouts, Ivy Tech, Richmond High School, Seton Catholic High School, the Salvation Army, Townsend Center, Wernle Children’s Home, the Wayne County Foundation and many, many, others.

It is his time … his considerable talent … and his treasure he shares willingly and generously. And … like his friend and mentor for whom this award is named … it is his love of this community that has led him to persevere … to serve… to lead … and to be there for others when they need him the most.

In nominating this recipient, one person suggested that what qualifies him is not just the scale of his giving … but the very effective and informal ways in which he challenges others to do more. Indeed, he is a “community builder.”

It is my honor and distinct pleasure to be here with Billi Rodefeld … to present the Charles A. Rodefeld Award for 2006 … to Paul Lingle.

A $1,000 check – to be equally divided – was awarded to Earlham College, Reid Hospital, and the Richmond Art Museum.