VCU’s Wilder School Announces 'Excellence in Virginia Government Awards'

By Mike Porter

Virginia Commonwealth University’s L. Douglas Wilder School of Government and Public Affairs will honor individuals and organizations in five categories for distinctive contributions to the practice of government and to the well-being of Virginia’s communities.

The awards will be presented during the Sixth Annual Excellence in Virginia Government Awards ceremony on Thursday, Dec. 2, 2010, from 11:30 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the Greater Richmond Convention Center.

The following awards will be presented for significant contributions to the commonwealth through public service:

Lifetime Achievement Award: Philip A. Leone, former director, Joint Legislative Audit and Review Commission, is being recognized for consistently earning national accolades for excellence in state management. In his 24 years as director, the commission released more than 320 reports, resulting in hundreds of millions of dollars in cost savings.

Public Private Partnership Award: The Virginia College Savings Plan, Founding Executive Director Diana F. Cantor and Chief Executive Officer Mary G. Morris are being honored for creating four 529 college savings programs to help families plan for future higher education expenses. The plan has grown into the nation’s largest with 1.8 million account holders and more than $28 billion in assets.

Innovation in Government Award: The Virginia Department of Education’s “Internet Safety and You” campaign is being recognized for teaching students about safe and responsible Internet use through an online series of interactive, animated lessons. The site has received 75,000 visits from more than 100 countries. A recent study of 200 fourth grade participants found a significant improvement in Internet safety knowledge.

Community Enhancement Award: Virginia Advanced Study Strategies and President/CEO Paul Nichols are being honored for promoting advanced science, math and English classes to prepare Virginia’s students for college. By adding resources to 42 high-minority and high-poverty districts, the program has significantly increased the number of students taking AP classes and achieving qualifying scores on AP exams.

Unsung Heroes Award: Arthur N. Bowen III, managing director of finance and administration at Virginia Housing Development Authority, is being recognized for his ability to creatively manage the authority’s financial services. One of the most substantial examples is his development of the state’s debt capacity model. Bowen oversees a staff of 30 and a $90 million operating budget.