The Gerald E. Bruce Award was established to recognize Ford Alumni who have unselfishly worked to better their communities. Gerry Bruce was an original member of The Ford Family Foundation Board of Directors. He was a risk taker and a very involved citizen of Douglas County. After his death, this award was established in his memory to recognize Ford Alumni who are community leaders and who exhibit loyalty to the Foundation’s core values of integrity, stewardship, respect, independence and community.
The Foundation seeks applicants from our alumni who represent Gerry Bruce’s qualities and vision of leadership, including:
* Significant professional achievement and an entrepreneurial spirit
* Civic responsibility and leadership
* Loyalty to the core values of the Foundation in work and service
* A strong propensity for “giving back”
The awardees are recognized with a plaque, and a donation of $5,000 made to a non-profit organization of the awardee’s choice.
Past Awardees
2019: Margaret Hartsook
2018: Amy Van Wey Lovatt
2017: Brandy O’Bannon
2016: SreyRam Kuy
2015: Olesya Zhereilov Salathe
2014: Annie Tester
2013: Charity Thoman
2012: Todd Gifford & Tyler T. Smith
2008: Michelle Boss Barba
2007: Matthew Gerber
2006: Sarah Beth Byrum
2005: Bright Nichols-Stock
2004: Toby Luther
2003: Sheena Tseko