Staff Report

RIO GRANDE — Gold Medallion Awards were presented by the University of Rio Grande/Rio Grande Community College to several of its strongest friends and supporters during a special ceremony July 12.

The ceremony was part of a commemoration of the end of the Lighting The Way Capital Campaign, the dedication of the new J. Tim and Wylodine Evans Terrace at the Davis University Center, and a proclamation naming John. D. Kidd as a University of Rio Grande Fellow.

The Gold Medallion Award is the second-highest award that the Rio Grande can bestow on an individual or organization. The award is a gold-plated disc that has the seal of the URG/RGCC on one side and the specifics of the presentation on the other.

In order to be nominated for a Gold Medallion Award, individual candidates must be honorable people who are above reproach and are respected in the community. They must also have contributed their time, work, resources or knowledge to Rio Grande and its students in order to help the university continue to grow and thrive.

The president of the university recommends the candidates for this high honor, and the candidates also have to be approved by a special committee and receive unanimous approval from the university’s board of trustees.

During the ceremony, several individuals and organizations who have made outstanding contributions to the success of Rio Grande were selected to receive the awards.

University President Dr. Greg Sojka presented the awards to the individuals and organizations and discussed why each was selected for this prestigious honor.

The first Gold Medallion Award, for example, was presented to the family of the late Lyvonia Bunce. Bunce, for whom the Bunce School of Education at Rio Grande is named, was a strong supporter of Rio Grande who helped the university in numerous ways.

James M. Caldwell was given the second Gold Medallion for his outstanding service to Rio Grande and leadership to the capital campaign.

Evan and Elizabeth Davis were also presented Gold Medallions for their support of campus organizations such as the Madog Center for Welsh Studies and the soccer program, and their overall assistance to the university.

“We appreciate everything you do for Rio Grande and our students,” Sojka told the couple.

Stanley E. Harrison, who received the next Gold Medallion Award, has been a dedicated member of the university board and has helped to lead two successful capital campaigns. He has also assisted with countless other programs and initiatives to help Rio Grande.

Holzer Clinic was also presented a Gold Medallion Award. Holzer Clinic helps Rio Grande by providing clinical work experience for students in the nursing program, as well as in several of the allied health programs such as diagnostic medical sonography, radiologic technology and respiratory therapy. Holzer Clinic also supports Rio Grande in numerous other ways.

Barbara McManus, daughter of Bernard Fultz, received the medallion on his behalf. Fultz was an alumnus, former trustee, and fellow was presented the next Gold Medallion Award for his strong work for Rio Grande and his support of the institution.

The Raymond Mason Foundation was also presented a Gold Medallion Award for its support of scholarship programs targeting students in the region and the institution.

C. Michael and Stephanie Reardon were also presented Gold Medallion Awards. C. Michael Reardon served as a national co-chair of the successful Lighting The Way Capital Campaign, and he and Stephanie Reardon have generously supported the institution.

Sarah Rannells Simonds, the other national campaign co-chair for the Lighting The Way Capital Campaign, was also presented a Gold Medallion Award.

Simonds could not be present for the ceremony, but Sojka read a letter from her that discussed how proud she was to be a part of Rio Grande, and how proud she is of the bright, motivated students and the outstanding faculty and staff.

The names of all of the Gold Medallion Award winners will now be placed on a plaque that will be permanently displayed on campus.