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Community Leadership Reception

The Auburn University fall semester multi-professional leadership class held a reception honoring citizen leaders in the Auburn/Opelika Community on Oct. 30, 2003. This reception was sponsored by the multi-professional leadership class; the Department of Educational Foundations, Leadership and Technology; the Truman Pierce Institute; and the Auburn University College of Education.

Dr. Ellen Reames, professor of the class, opened the ceremonies with remarks detailing how this project developed. She said when she presented the idea of a forum to honor community leaders at the beginning of the semester, many students felt that the task was too big and couldn't be managed by a single graduate class. However, through much preparation and teamwork by the members of the class, community leaders were nominated, evaluated and selected, and a ceremony was planned in their honor.

Interim Dean Frances Kochan and Dr. Cynthia Reed, director of the Truman Pierce Institute, shared their thoughts on community leadership and commended the class for their efforts to reward and recognize the actions and leadership of these community members.

A total of five community leaders were selected and a class representative was chosen to introduce the leader to the audience with a brief biography of their accomplishments and contributions as a citizen leader. Those honored were Anton Flores, professor at LaGrange College; Jimmy DeVenny, recently retired assistant superintendent of Auburn City Schools; Elsie Slaughter, coordinator for the Opelika Community Market; Ron Anders, owner of Anders bookstore; and the Rev. Clifford Jones from Greater Peace Baptist Church. Each member offered humble comments and graciously accepted a trophy provided by the members of the class.

The ceremony concluded as Reames was honored by the members of the multi-professional leadership class for her innovative spirit, her meaningful instruction regarding leadership, and for truly exemplifying a citizen leader.

Last Updated: Jun 16, 2011