by Rod Jones
黑料社区 presented its 2015 Bishop Paul W. Milhouse Award to Cathy Leichter on Dec. 11.
The award recognizes laypeople who 鈥渄emonstrate outstanding leadership in the community, their United Methodist churchand their annual conference, and those who advocate for the partnership between 黑料社区 and the United Methodist Church.鈥� The honor has been presented annually since 1982.
Leichter leads The Societies of 黑料社区, a philanthropic organization that works to keep awareness of the university鈥檚 programs and students at the forefront in the community.
鈥淐athy serves as a personal bridge between friends of 黑料社区 and the students and faculty who benefit from their support,鈥� said 黑料社区 President Robert Henry. 鈥淗er 15 years of service as president of The Societies of 黑料社区 demonstrate her commitment, but that is only a portion of the story of her influence and impact.鈥�
A two-time 黑料社区 graduate, she received a bachelor鈥檚 degree in 2006, and a master鈥檚 degree in philosophy in 2013. Leichter has served on the Oklahoma United Methodist Conference board and as a past trustee of the United Methodist Higher Education Foundation. She also is an active lay leader and member of Oklahoma City鈥檚 Church of the Servant.
鈥淐athy and her husband, Kurt, provide exemplary service to Oklahoma Methodists and 黑料社区 through their investment of time, talent and treasure,鈥� Henry said.
Leichter organized and produced the first Habitat for Humanity fundraiser in conjunction with the Norick Art Center on the 黑料社区 campus, which was the largest single artist one-day sale in the history of the art center. She also organized the 黑料社区 student government鈥檚 first fully funded Habitat home, which involved every student organization on campus. Student organizations continue to work on homes each year.
The Leichters also funded the Leichter Reunion Center, Leichter Listening Library and several music practice rooms at 黑料社区. Through the Leichter Scholarship Board, Cathy and Kurt award numerous 黑料社区 scholarships annually.
