IUP President Tony Atwater was recently named among Pittsburgh’s 50 “men of excellence” for 2009.
Atwater was recognized in the education category for his vision and forward-thinking approach to how the business of higher education is conducted at IUP.
“We feel it is a great honor for our president,” said Michelle Fryling, director of media relations. “We believe that this award also reflects IUP’s strong presence as a strong regional institution.”
The award is the initiative of The New Pittsburgh Courier.
It honors “African-American male executives, business owners and community leaders who have displayed proven success within their profession, are positive role models whose contributions encourage others and are active in community service or organizational involvement,” according to an IUP press release.
This award is peculiar and interesting because the nominations are made by the reading public of the New Pittsburgh Courier, so they come from ordinary citizens who recognize the good work of those worthy to be nominated.
The award is comparable to The People’s Choice Award, a stamp of approval from the common man, recognizing the good work of a personality.
After the nominations are sent in, a selection committee researches each candidate based on their contributions to their profession, community, church, etc. to determine which ones most qualify for the award.
“I am sincerely honored to receive this prestigious award,” Atwater stated in the press release. “I have been blessed to enjoy success as a journalist, as a university professor and as a university president, and I take pride in serving my community and in facilitating the success of others.”
For all his commendable civic and service engagements, Atwater was selected by Pennsylvania Business Central as one of the top 100 Business Leaders in Pennsylvania in 2009, and in April he was selected for the Commander’s Award for Public Service, one of the highest civilian service awards given by the United States Army.
Atwater shares the honor with Davie Huddleston, a 1968 graduate of IUP who serves as an official at PNC Financial Services Group.
They are the first recipients of the award from the IUP community.
Another recipient of the award familiar to the IUP community is Bill Strickland, president and CEO of Manchester Bidwell Co. in Pittsburgh. Strickland is the author of IUP’s 2009 Common Freshman Reader “Make the Impossible Possible” and he recently spoke to the IUP community Nov. 17.
Atwater named among 50 'Men of Excellence'
Published: Tuesday, December 8, 2009
Updated: Tuesday, December 8, 2009
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