John Walters receives 2010 Johanna Lyle Excellence in Service award

Source: Maya Ristic, maya.ristic@meadowlark.org
Photo available. Contact 785-537-4610
News release prepared by: Maya Ristic, 785-537-4610, maya.ristic@meadowlark.org
Thursday, July 15, 2010

The annual Meadowlark Hills Board Appreciation and awards banquet was held Wednesday evening, July 14, and honored John Walters as the 2010 recipient of the Johanna Lyle Excellence in Service award. Walters is a member of the Board of Trustees at Meadowlark Hills, where he also served as previous chair. Walters and his wife, Cheryl, were also co-chairs of the Steering Committee for the Capital Campaign “Our Home, Our Health, Our Future.” The campaign helped fund a Community Center that includes a fitness center, restaurant and cafe and also helped fund Bramlage and Wroten Houses, Meadowlark’s Transitional Households. The campaign raised more than $3.5 million.

The award is named for its first recipient, Johanna Lyle, former board president and professor in accounting at Kansas State University. The award recognizes individuals who have contributed volunteer leadership, resource, time and tasks to the Meadowlark Hills mission to serve elders.

Steve Shields, Meadowlark President and CEO, presented the award.

“John has been a significant leader and contributor with our organization,” Shields said. “He is immensely sharp and tactful, always looking at the larger picture.”

The banquet also recognized outgoing board members Frank Carpenter, Bob Pulford and Diane Gaede. Carpenter served from 2006-2010. Pulford and Gaede served from 2004-2010.

Pulford was the board representative for the First Presbyterian Church, one of the original founding churches of Meadowlark.

“I have enjoyed my time on the board as a community service and also serving with outstanding board members,” Pulford said. “I have especially enjoyed serving with talented chairs and learning and working with Steve Shields as CEO. The boards I have served on have seen tremendous growth and some very difficult times recently with a stagnant economy.”

Diane Gaede was the board representative for the First Christian Church, another original founding church.

“I’ve enjoyed seeing Meadowlark grow over the years, and I always have a good feeling about the things that are happening here,” Gaede said. “I also enjoy visiting with the residents.”

Meadowlark Hills is a non-profit retirement community with an abundance of lifestyle choices, located in the northeastern hills of Manhattan.