Chamber awards highlight community ties with MSU

The Morehead-Rowan County Chamber of Commerce held its annual awards ceremony and picnic June 6 and recognized several individuals, offices and organizations from MSU.  

Tracy Williams, executive director of the chamber, said award recipients are chosen from a pool of nominees by the Chamber’s executive board based on the merit of each project or individual.  

“The Community and MSU work on projects together regularly. We work on needed projects for the community and student/community events,” said Williams. “I think the University and community do an excellent job including each other on projects and events throughout the year.” 

The Adron Doran University Center (ADUC) won the Business Beautification Award, given to the business that has made the best effort to upgrade and beautify its storefront, landscape and other aesthetic features.  

“We are thrilled that the Chamber has selected the ADUC facility and honored that it recognizes all the investment and effort it has taken to make it a state-of-the-art facility in our community,” said Kim Oatman, MSU assistant vice president of facilities and operations. “With the facility being right on the edge of campus and so near downtown there was a lot of effort put into designing the building and grounds to encourage community patronage of it. The plaza and associated landscape is intended to be a natural and inviting connection to the downtown corridors of Bateson Oates and Second Street.”  

A recent renovation of ADUC expanded the space, offering more dining options, meeting space and free parking for the community to use the facility.  

The Community Partners Award was given to Build-a-Bed, an annual charity event that provides free beds for children in need in the community. The event brings together MSU faculty, staff and students and community members, who volunteer to assemble the beds and distribute them at a build event held each spring.  

Dr. Daniel Connell, MSU assistant vice president of regional education and outreach, received the Educator of the Year Award. The award is presented to an educator from the Rowan County School System, MSU, Lakeside Christian Academy, Maysville Community and Technical College Rowan Campus or St. Claire HealthCare, who has supported and encouraged education in Morehead and Rowan County. 

The Service Above Self Award was presented to Kenna Allen Gauche, alumni relations and development event coordinator at MSU. The award is given to those individuals who have gone above the call of duty and classification, who’s contribution has helped to make Morehead and Rowan County a better place to live, work or visit. 

For more information about the Morehead-Rowan County Chamber of Commerce, visit https://www.moreheadchamber.com.

For more information about MSU, visit www.moreheadstate.edu or call 1-800-585-6781.