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Community Corner

United Way of San Diego County Recognizes Outstanding Community Service

United Way of San Diego County has announced Stephen K. Smurthwaite and Art Hughes as award winners for consistently outstanding community leadership and volunteerism. They were honored during the nonprofit's annual campaign kickoff on Sept. 17 at NTC Liberty Station.

“Through ‘Collective Impact’ and other all-community encompassing approaches, United Way brings together the passion, experience and resources needed to make a positive difference,” said President and CEO Doug Sawyer. “This year’s winners of the James F. Mulvaney Award and the Volunteer of the year Naish Award are role models in our community for all of us to aspire to.”

United Way’s kickoff also recognizes local organizations that have made incredible efforts to give back to the San Diego community through their United Way/CHAD Workplace campaigns.

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Winners are:

James F. Mulvaney Community Leadership Award

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Author (Art) E. Hughes is the recipient of the fourth annual James F. Mulvaney Community Leadership Award, given to a local leader who has demonstrated long-lasting, exceptional service to the San Diego community. The award is named for James (Jim) Mulvaney who maintained involvement in numerous nonprofit boards and organizations for 50 years.

During his time in San Diego, in addition to serving on the board of directors for United Way of San Diego County, Hughes has actively contributed as a director for the Union Bank of California, San Diego Chamber of Commerce, the Mingei International Museum, the San Diego Symphony Association, The American Cancer Society, the White House Fellowship Commission, Energy 2000 and the San Diego Charter Review. He also served as the founding board chairman of the College Access Foundation of California, enacted to provide need-based financial assistance to college students. Currently, Hughes is president emeritus of the University of San Diego, after serving as president from June 1971 to June 1995.

“I am truly appreciative of this award and honored to receive it,” said Hughes. “I am most thankful for all that this community has given me in return.”

“Volunteer of the Year” Naish Award

The “Volunteer of the Year” Award, given to Stephen K. Smurthwaite, recognizes an individual who has made a significant and sustained contribution to United Way as a volunteer and commemorates the extraordinary commitment of Jack Naish, a former board member and creative leader. Smurthwaite’s daughter, Holly Smurthwaite, will be traveling from Chicago to accept the award on his behalf.

Starting in 2003 Smurthwaite served United Way as a member on a variety of the organization’s boards, including the board of directors, Human Resources Committee, the Designations Task Force, Community Impact Ad Hoc Committee, Executive Search Committee and Executive Committee. He also chaired both the Campaign Cabinet and the Focus Area Selection Committee.

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