University of Texas at Austin Honors Community Leaders

The University of Texas at Austin honored three organizations and five individuals for outstanding work in education and public service at the Fifth Annual Community Leadership Awards Ceremony at the Carver Museum and Cultural Center on Tuesday, Dec. 13. The event was co-sponsored by the Office of the President and the Division of Diversity and Community Engagement.

“The university is honored to recognize organizations and individuals who are pillars of our community and groundbreakers in education, community service, and government. Through their courage and leadership, they’ve transformed the city of Austin,” said President Bill Powers.

Powers and Dr. Gregory J. Vincent, vice president for diversity and community engagement, presented Community Partnership Awards to:

• the Austin Alumnae Chapter of Delta Sigma Theta Incorporated,
• Town Lake Links Incorporated, and
• the National Forum for Black Public Administrators.

The university also presented Community Leadership Circle Awards to:

• Meria Carstarphen, superintendent of the Austin Independent School District;
• Albert Hawkins, retired executive commissioner of Texas Health and Human Services;
• Michael McDonald, assistant city manager for public safety services for the City of Austin, and;
• Marc Ott, city manager for the City of Austin.

Michael Lofton, founder and executive director of the African American Men and Boys Harvest Foundation, was honored with the June Brewer Legacy Award.

“It is with great pleasure that we honored some of the university’s strongest community partners. All of the organizations and individuals were recognized for exceptional contributions to the education of our children or to outstanding public service,” Vincent said.