The first I.E. Ready recipient, the late George B. Autry, founder of the non-profit research group, MDC, Inc., was the leader of the Commission on the future of the Community College System. The commission’s report, published in 1998-1989, has served as the basis for System planning and legislative action ever since. Autry, who passed away in April of 1999, believed that education created economic prosperity for North Carolina and saw the Community College System as the major tool for developing the capacities and skills of ordinary people. Autry’s widow, Bess P. Autry, accepted the award on her husband’s behalf.

Phillip J. Kirk, Jr., President and Secretary of the North Carolina Citizens for Business and Industry, Chairman of the State Board of Education, member of the Governor’s Education Cabinet, and former member of the State Board of Community Colleges was the second I. E. Ready recipient. Kirk served as Secretary of the Department of Human Resources under two governors. A longtime friend of education, Kirk chaired the working committees for the successful statewide campaign for $2.75 billion in bonds for schools and roads in 1976 and the highly successful $3.1 billion Higher Education Bonds Referendum this year. Kirk was on hand to accept his award.

The third honoree was William F. Simpson, who served on the State Board of Community Colleges from 1985 to 1995 and was chair from 1989 to 1993. Simpson has received the prestigious Order of the Long Leaf Pine for his years of service to the state. During his 44-year business career, Simpson owned and operated six successful businesses in retail and restaurants. He served on the Governor’s Commission on Workforce Preparedness, was Chairman of the Rockingham Republican Party, President of the Reidsville Chamber of Commerce and past President of the Reidsville Merchants Association. Simpson was on hand to accept his award.

The I. E. Ready Award recognizes people who have made important contributions to the community college movement locally, statewide and nationally. It is presented to people who have contributed significantly to the establishment and growth of North Carolina’s community colleges. The State Board of Community Colleges established the award in 1983 to commemorate the ratification of legislation on May 17, 1963, which created the North Carolina Community College System.

Excellence in Teaching honors were also presented during the Day of Recognition Luncheon. The State Board established this award in 1985 to provide recognition for full-time teachers who exemplify the highest standard of instruction and professionalism in the classroom and excellence of service to their colleges and communities. The First Union Foundation provides monetary recognition for the winner and finalists.

Dr. Lynne E. Lichtenstein, an English instructor at Catawba Valley Community College received the Excellence in Teaching Award. Lichtenstein has taught at CVCC since 1980 and has gone above and beyond the call of duty, this year she and her husband are putting a CVCC student through school. In accepting her award she paraphrased a familiar quote, "Those who can, do; those who care, teach." The EIT finalists are: Pamela J. Silvers of Asheville-Buncombe Technical Community College; Cynthia McKoy of Bladen Community College: Dr. Judy C. Gordon of James Sprunt Community College; and Gerald P. Kearns of Forsyth Technical Community College.

The semi finalists for Excellence in Teaching are: William Hill of Pitt Community College; Betty Jo Dobbin of Fayetteville Technical Community College; Kay P. Brown of Wilson Technical Community College; Rita Rogers of Halifax Community College; Shelia May of Guilford Technical Community College; Sandy Smith of Carteret Community College; and Cassandra Stone of Robeson Community College.

The President's Leadership Award was established to honor students who have helped to improve campus life for their fellow students and have made significant contributions to their colleges and surrounding communities. This year’s recipient is Andres Hernandez, a recent graduate and now Trustee of Montgomery Community College.

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