NAACP Recognition Award

Building on the theme of recognizing those who truly make a difference in our community, I had the opportunity to attend the NAACP recognition award ceremony at Valley River Inn this evening. The venue was packed; a nice mix of University staff and students, City of Eugene officials, and other local area businesses and elected leaders. The event was emceed well and NAACP president Henry Luvert delivered an inspirational, challenging message in his address. The keynote speaker, the honorable Chief Justice Paul De Muniz, delivered a rousing tribute to a life-long friend and inspirational writer that highlighted the 8 rules to live by—very inspirational.

The highlight of the evening, by far, was the awarding of the Community Service Award to Richard Lariviere. Seeing Richard receive this award and such a warm welcome from our community was quite the treat. Richard is well known for his community-wide efforts to increase access to public education for all communities, civil rights, civic engagement, and for fighting intolerance and injustice throughout Oregon. He has been and continues to be a champion of civil rights, and his efforts did not go unnoticed in the short time we had the privilege of him serving as our University President. He is missed.