Ruth J. Wickemeyer Award
Leading Our Community…
AILEEN GITHENS
2020 Ruth J. Wickemeyer Award Recipient
For Community Service
Aileen Githens was selected to receive the Ruth J. Wickemeyer Award for Community Service which was named for the Foundation’s founding executive director and which recognizes paid or volunteer not-for-profit leaders who personify exceptional service to others in the name of community progress. Aileen was nominated by the Civic Hall Associates where she volunteers as an usher. In addition to her volunteer work there, she is also actively involved at the Wayne County Tourism Bureau, Boys and Girls Clubs of Wayne County, Richmond Civic Theatre, and Central United Methodist Church.
In her nomination, Mary Walker, Executive Director of the Richmond-Wayne County Convention and Tourism Bureau wrote that “Aileen has long advocated for Wayne County, praising our communities’ wonderful treasures to countless visitors, from near and far, for well over 20 years. At the Tourism Bureau, she is passionate, engaging, and enthusiastic when greeting guests and always goes above and beyond to make their time here memorable and worthwhile.”
Millie Martin Emery added “As she serves thousands of children, tourists, arts lovers of all ages, and Alzheimer’s residents at Friends Fellowship each year, Aileen humbly volunteers tirelessly for multiple groups without a need for awards or recognition for service. She is a valuable team member, encouraging volunteers who are decades younger through the example she sets of love for her adopted hometown and its people.”
About the Award…
Named for the Foundation’s first Executive Director, this award recognizes paid or volunteer not-for-profit leaders who personify exceptional service to others in the name of community progress. Ruth is perhaps best remembered for maintaining the highest ethical standards and expressing true appreciation for even the smallest contributions. She is fondly remembered for her diligent leadership for our community through this award.
Candidates for the award must demonstrate a history of significant service in the Wayne County not-for-profit community, an unswerving commitment to the highest ethical standards, and evidence of articulating a vision for community improvement by their leadership and/or significant accomplishments.
Previous Wickemeyer Award Recipients
2006 – Pat Bowers
2007 – Wilbur Rodenberg
2008 – Dr. James Daggy
2009 – Betty Mark
2010 – Alan Spears
2011 – David Nixon
2012 – Jill King
2013 – Penn Ansorg
2014 – Aileen Wickett-Harris
2015 – Karole Passmore
2016 – Mark W. Harris
2017 – June Miller
2018 – Margurite Clark
2019 – Bill and Marilyn Martus