Patrick Henry Public Service Awards 2008

The 2008 Patrick Henry Public Service Award recipients are (l-r) Leighton D. Yates, Jr. '68 and Mark R. Cruise '82.

Each year, shortly before commencement, the Wilson Center for Leadership in the Public Interest bestows the Patrick Henry Public Service Award at an awards banquet which follows the Wilson Center Advisory Board spring meeting. 

This banquet is a significant event of the year for students in the Public Service Certificate program of the Wilson Center, and the seniors who have successfully completed the requirements of the program receive certificates at this time. 

Since 2005, seniors who have the Military Leadership/National Securities Studies Certificate program have been recognized as well, and received certificates. 

As of the 2007-08 school year, the Public Service Certificate program and the Military Leadership/National Securities Studies Certificate program are now recognized as minors, and thus are so noted on the transcripts of students who complete these programs. 

In some years, including 2008, the James Madison Award is given to an individual whose work has benefitted the Wilson Center, either directly or indirectly. This year's award was given posthumously to Sarah Eldred Terry, who served on the Wilson Center Board until her death in December of 2007. 

Patrick Henry awards are given to H-SC alumni whose service to their country, their states, and/or their communities is deserving of high praise and recognition. The 2008 Patrick Henry Public Service award recipients are:

• Mark R. Cruise '82, Richmond, VA, in recognition of distinguished service to the people of the Commonwealth of Virginia, through his work with free clinics.
• Leighton D. Yates, Jr. '68, FL in recognition of distinguished service to the people of the state of Florida, through his work with the blood bank.

The award recipients were guests of honor at the April 18th banquet which was also attended by Wilson Center staff, members of the oversight committee and Advisory Board, Public Service Certificate Program and Military Leadership/National Security Studies Certificate Program students, members of the alumni council and other invited guests.

     (left) Mark R. Cruise '82 speaks to the group; (right) Hampden-Sydney College President
Walter M. Bortz III is shown with Patrick Henry Public Service Award recipient Mark R. Cruise '82
and Director of the Wilson Center, Dr. David E. Marion.
     (left) Dr. Marion and President Bortz stand with Patrick Henry award recipient
Leighton D. Yates, Jr. '68. (right) Leighton D. Yates, Jr. '68 addresses the gathering.

Rod O'Connor '92 traveled from L.A. to share the evening with his godfather, Leighton Yates.