With tears in his eyes, former Columbia Association President Padraic Kennedy learned of a Howard Community College scholarship established in his name in time for Columbia?s 40th birthday.
“I?m stunned,” was all he could choke out after hearing the Kennedy Scholarship is endowed with $40,000 to fund two students taking health-related curriculum at the college.
The announcement was made Thursday at the fourth annual Horizon Awards Breakfast, which recognizes organizations committed to health and wellness in Howard.
Kennedy was recognized for his 35 years of commitment to the Columbia community.
His 27 years as Columbia Association president helped to develop many of the community programs functioning today.
“People often recall Pat as having been Columbia?s tacit ?mayor,?” said Richard Krieg, Horizon Foundation?s president. “… He brought an amazing skill set to Columbia?s leadership.”
As one of the first 10 founding members of the Peace Corps, Kennedy has expertise in rallying volunteers for community development.
His more recent roles include being chairman of Columbia Festival of the Arts and Horizon Foundation?s Board of Trustees.
“He has been at the forefront of everything in this community,” said current Columbia Association President Maggie Brown. “He?s a visionary.”
Horizon Awards Breakfast Honors
» HC DrugFree: The Health Education Award
» Alpha Phi Alpha: Connections of Youth Asset Development Award
» Andrea Ingram, executive director of Grassroots Crisis Intervention Center: Richard G. McCauley Leadership Award
» Barbara K. Lawson, president and chief executive officer of The Columbia Foundation: Community Appreciation Award
