Shining Light Awards Honor Four For Outstanding Commitment to Region

DETROIT, Sept. 4, 2012 /PRNewswire/ -- The 2012 Shining Light Regional Cooperation Awards will be presented to Allan Gilmour, Larry Alexander, Kathleen Hatke Aro, and Donnell White for their important contributions to regional progress, cooperation, and understanding in Southeast Michigan. They will be honored on October 11, 2012, at a special breakfast ceremony at the Ford Conference & Event Center in Dearborn, Michigan, beginning at 8 a.m.

The sixth annual awards ceremony and breakfast is open to the public. Tickets are $50; tables of 10 are $500. For ticket information, go to www.shininglightawards.com or call 248-336-8623.

Allan Gilmour, President of Wayne State University, will receive the Neal Shine Award for Exemplary Regional Leadership for demonstrating throughout his storied career at the Ford Motor Company, and now at Wayne State, his exceptional ability to contribute to the success of organizations and individuals through initiative, integrity, and an ability to bring people together in common cause.  He is a transformational leader who has moved from the auto industry to academia with ease, and is having a positive impact on WSU, the students and communities it serves.  Gilmour also remains active in philanthropy and other areas of community service.  The Neal Shine Award honors those who are having a regional impact and are willing to take risks to further progress, cooperation, and understanding.

Mariam Noland, President, Community Foundation for Southeast Michigan, and former Eleanor Josaitis Unsung Hero Shining Light Award recipient, praised Gilmour as an unusually strong and effective leader at the most senior levels of corporations, nonprofit organizations, and within the philanthropic sector.  Allan has served as Trustee of the Community Foundation since 1999, and Chair since 2006.  Ms. Noland is quoted as saying, "It is acknowledged that the only thing Allan has failed at is retirement.  And for that, all of us in Southeast Michigan are fortunate and grateful."

Larry Alexander, President and CEO of the Detroit Metro Convention & Visitors Bureau, will receive the Eleanor Josaitis Unsung Hero Award for his outstanding accomplishments in tourism-related economic growth in the region.  This award recognizes an individual who may not have yet received the widespread recognition he or she deserves for longstanding efforts to serve the community and further regional efforts.  Under Larry's leadership, Southeast Michigan has hosted some of the world's most coveted meetings and sporting events, bringing millions of visitors and billions of dollars to our region. He also chairs the Detroit Regional Convention Facility Authority Board that is transforming Detroit's Cobo Center. 

Thom Linn, Chair Emeritus of Miller Canfield, said, "Larry is the best example I know of someone who promotes regional cooperation.  He works with leaders from other counties and governmental units, as well as private industry, for the advancement of the region.  He is a true champion."

Kathleen Hatke Aro, President, Accounting Aid Society, also will receive the Eleanor Josaitis Unsung Hero Award for her commitment to addressing the poverty and income inequity at the root of many of the problems that challenge Detroit and Southeast Michigan.  With staff and an army of volunteers, AAS helps struggling families throughout the region file for and receive their tax refunds and credits, returning more than $238 million to these families, and in turn, to our communities. 

Ryan Michael Dinkgrave, Manager at Focus: HOPE, reflected that "Kathleen's work has truly contributed to the well-being of the area and nurtured a sense of regional cooperation.  I do not doubt that my late, dear friend and mentor, Eleanor Josaitis, would wholeheartedly agree that Kathleen is as worthy a recipient of this award as could be."

Donnell White, Executive Director, Detroit Branch NAACP, will receive the Dave Bing Future Leader Award for his commitment to civil rights and social justice, and efforts to produce positive change in our region by promoting inclusion and embracing our rich diversity.  He is the youngest executive director to be appointed in the history of the NAACP, and oversees the largest chapter in the country, while also serving on the Detroit Police Commission and working with numerous community groups and initiatives to address some of our region's toughest challenges. 

"The future of our region is dependent upon the energy and leadership of our young people," said Debbie Dingell, Chair of the Metropolitan Affairs Coalition. "We are fortunate to have individuals like Donnell White who care so much about the community.  We are privileged to recognize such a dynamic emerging leader and encourage others to follow in his footsteps." 

The Detroit Free Press and Metropolitan Affairs Coalition launched the Shining Light Awards in 2007 to highlight the critical importance of regional leadership and cooperation to the success of Southeast Michigan. The awards are named in honor of the late Neal Shine, former Detroit Free Press editor and publisher, who consistently demonstrated his dedication and commitment to the Greater Detroit community. Visit their Web sites – www.ShiningLightAwards.com, www.mac-web.org, and www.freep.com and www.freep.com/e to learn more.

SOURCE Shining Light Regional Cooperation Awards