WesternU Board Chairman to be honored for his community service
Western University of Health Sciences Board of Trustees Chairman Warren Lawless, LHD (Hon.), will receive the Community Service award from the West Seattle Chamber of Commerce on April 9, 2008.
“It’s flattering to be recognized for giving back to a community that has been a great place to live and work,” Lawless said. “The recognition is not as important as the service, but it is nice to know others appreciate your efforts.”
The Community Service award has traditionally been given to someone whose volunteer efforts, philanthropy and vision made a lasting contribution to the community, said Patricia Mullen, executive director of the West Seattle Chamber of Commerce. Lawless is very interested in local leadership and education, and he is committed to helping children, she said.
“He’s a stalwart advocate for our community,” she said. “He’s our institutional memory. And for the committee to consider his nomination above others indicates how well-regarded Warren is in Seattle. He is remarkable.”
West Seattle is home to roughly 23 percent of Seattle’s population, Mullen said. The West Seattle chamber, founded in 1923, oversees five business districts and is considered a local advocate for economic development, she said.
The awards breakfast will also honor Tom’s Automotive Service with the Business of the Year award. Seattle Mayor Greg Nickels will serve as guest speaker.
Lawless’ parents lived in West Seattle when he was born in 1918. His family then moved from the area but Lawless returned 20 years later as a composing room apprentice in the printing plant of the local weekly newspaper, Lawless said.
“This is a well-deserved honor,” said Philip Pumerantz, PhD, president of Western University of Health Sciences. “This man is a giver, a strong and committed member of the community.”
Community service provides camaraderie and has resulted in lifelong friendships, Lawless said.
“Community service provides an opportunity to improve life in unison with like-minded people at a level that can’t be achieved working alone,” he said. “It has the advantage of reaching needs directly without crawling through a tangle of government bureaucracy.”
About Western University of Health Sciences
Western University of Health Sciences (www.westernu.edu), located in Pomona, Calif., is an independent nonprofit health professions university, conferring degrees in health sciences, nursing, osteopathic medicine, pharmacy, physical therapy, physician assistant studies and veterinary medicine. In 2009, the university will admit students to new degree programs in dentistry, optometry, podiatry and biomedical sciences.
West Seattle Chamber of Commerce 2008 Annual Awards Breakfast
Location: Salty’s on Alki Beach
1936 Harbor Ave. SW, Seattle, Wash.
Wednesday, April 9, 7:30 to 9 a.m.
Cost: $50 per person
RSVP by April 3 by calling 206-932-5685 or e-mailing info@wschamber.com
The chamber’s policy is to bill for reservations made but not kept or cancelled 24 hours in advance.
