Leading the Way: Honoring those who are making Austin a better place for all

Every spring and fall, the DDCE and the university’s Office of the President honor organizations and individuals who are role models in the areas of civil rights, social justice, health, education and the arts at the Community Leadership Awards. Here are a few highlights from the fall 2015 celebrations.
Community Leadership Award Honorees, the Emma S. Barrientos Mexican American Cultural Center, Nov. 3, 2015
From left: Dr. Gregory J. Vincent, vice president of diversity and community engagement; Hispanic Women’s Network of Texas (HWN) State Chair Dora Trinidad-Campos, HWN Executive Director Lupe Morin, and HWN Austin Chapter Chair Elizabeth Medina; Rudy Colmenero, CPA and founding partner of Mitchell & Colmenero, LLP.; Gina Hinojosa, former AISD Board President; AISD Superintendent Paul Cruz; Dr. Judith G. Loredo, retired assistant commissioner for the Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board;
and UT Austin President Gregory L. Fenves.
Joe R. and Teresa Lozano Long Legacy Award recipient Dr. Judith G. Loredo delivered comments on behalf of all Community Leadership Award honorees.
Community Leadership Award Honorees, the George Washington Carver Museum and Cultural Center, Dec. 18, 2015
From left: Bernadette Phifer, Carver Museum curator; Richard Overton, the nation’s oldest living WWII military veteran; LaVonne Mason, co-founder of the Austin Area Urban League; Ora Houston, Austin City Council member; Geraldine Tucker, president of the Town Lake Chapter of the Links, Inc.; and Dr. Gregory J. Vincent.
Sergeant Richard Overton (center) poses with Dr. Vincent and President Fenves.