| (11/18/09) - WASHINGTON, D.C. (November
2009)—Akron Mayor Donald L. Plusquellic is the recipient of the 2009 Urban Hero
Award presented today by the Coalition of Urban Serving Universities during the 122nd
Annual Meeting of the Association of Public and Land-grant Universities.  Mayor Plusquellic was honored for
his "longstanding commitment to the City of Akron and innovative leadership in
advancing model alliances between the City, the University of Akron and other key
organizations to revitalize Akron."
The Urban Hero Award recognizes individuals who personify the coalition’s focus on
improving both urban life and American competitiveness. University presidents created the Coalition of Urban Serving Universities in 2005 to focus the intellectual capital and economic power of urban
universities on improving both urban life and American competitiveness. USU works in three
general areas – creating a competitive workforce, building strong communities, and
improving the health of a diverse population.
Inaugurated in 1987, Mayor Plusquellic is the city’s longest serving mayor,
currently is his sixth four-year term. He has devoted 35 years to public service in Akron,
serving 13 years on the City Council prior to his election as mayor.
Under the mayor, Akron has seen the construction of hundreds of new market-rate homes
throughout the inner city as part of a public, non-profit corporation called the Urban
Neighborhood Development Corporation. In developing housing in Akron’s
historically-stable neighborhoods, more than $56 million has been spent in rehabilitating
older homes during his tenure. In the past 12 years, the City has partnered with
non-profit and private builders to construct more than 415 new homes in Akron. And under
his direction, the City has also seen the construction of eight new neighborhood community
centers that provide activities and education for all citizens.
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About the Association of Public and Land-grant Universities (A.P.L.U)
Founded in 1887, the Association of Public and Land-grant Universities
(A.P.L.U) is an association of public research
universities, land-grant institutions, and many state public university systems. Its 219
members enroll more than 4.7 million students, award nearly one-million degrees annually,
and conduct nearly two-thirds of all academic research, totaling more than $34
billion annually. As the nation’s oldest higher education association, A?P?L?U is
dedicated to excellence in learning, discovery and engagement. For more information, visit
www.aplu.org (Formerly
known as NASULGC).
Contact:
Paul F. Hassen, A.P.L.U, 202.478.6073
phassen@aplu.org
Cell: 540.419.7519 |
