Rhea Eckel Clark Citizenship Award

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Nomination Form

The Rhea Eckel Clark Citizenship Award was established in 1985 in memory of Rhea Eckel Clark, one of the founders of the Central New York Regional Planning and Development Board.

This award is dedicated to the spirit and memory of the late Rhea Eckel Clark, one of the founders of the CNY RPDB. Mrs. Clark distinguished herself throughout her career by working to help improve the quality of life in Central New York by addressing issues of regional significance such as education, health care, community revitalization, environmental protection, and social justice.

Mrs. Clark spent three terms as chairperson of the CNY RPDB from 1967-1969. During this period she helped to direct the agency through its formative stages and initiated work on a range of comprehensive planning issues confronting the Central New York community.

In addition to her work with the CNY RPDB, Mrs. Clark was president of Cazenovia College from April 1957 to March 1971. She was also named director of the American Management Association for a three-year period beginning in 1968. Upon retiring from her presidency of Cazenovia College, Mrs. Clark headed Governor Rockefeller's State Commission of the Aging.

Before coming to Cazenovia College, Mrs. Clark spent eight years with the New York University School of Education as assistant to the dean and consultant for community education and development. Previously, Mrs. Clark was executive secretary for New York State Citizens Council, Inc., and in 1949, she served in Germany as a visiting consultant to the U.S. Army of Occupation Program. During her lifetime, Mrs. Clark received a number of honors including the 14th Colgate Civics Awards presented to area men and women "who have exemplified, by their own generous service, the principle of democracy in action." Mrs. Rhea Eckel was married to Dr. Wesley C. Clark. Dr. Wesley Clark was dean of the Syracuse University School of Journalism for more than 20 years.

Criteria

The recipient of this award must:

• Provide strong regional leadership;
• Help implement programs that have improved the quality of life in CNY; and
• Support efforts that foster intergovernmental cooperation and civic participation.

Walter John Tennant, Jr., CNY RPDB's 2012 REC Award Recipient

Philip Tennant accepts the REC award on behalf of his brother Walter J. Tennant Jr. from Board Chairwoman Kathleen A. Rapp.

Walter John Tennant, Jr. was named, posthumously, the recipient of the 26th annual Rhea Eckel Clark Citizenship Award at the Central New York Regional Planning and Development Board’s annual meeting held on December 12, 2012.

Mr. Tennant was born in Cortland and was a life-long resident. He graduated from Union College in Schenectady in 1965 with a degree in Civil Engineering. At the age of 33 he became the youngest and first professional civil engineer appointed to the position of highway superintendent in Cortland County. Mr. Tennant retired from the County after more than 30 years of distinguished service and was lauded for his integrity and high standards.

Mr. Tennant held many leadership roles throughout his life including President of the National Association of County Engineers. He also played a significant role as a member of the Homer Library Board, the Newman Foundation, the Cortland County Industrial Development Agency, the Central New York Enterprise Development Corporation, and most recently as Chairman of the CNY RPDB.

Past Recipients