NEWS RELEASE
For Immediate Release
October 11, 2007
MEDIA CONTACT:
Jacqueline L. Brown
jbrown@wakeedpartnership.org
919.821.7609 ext. 140
Business and Citizen Leaders Honored for Efforts in Public Schools
Wake Education Partnership Presents Annual Awards
WAKE COUNTY – Wake County’s prestigious awards honoring involvement in sustained academic excellence in the public schools were presented Thursday, Oct. 11, 2007, before more than 600 business, government, parent and school leaders during Wake Education Partnership’s Annual Meeting.
Investment Management Corporation’s Vice President of Finance Richard Urquhart was named the 2007 Friend of Education. The Wake Weekly and The News & Observer Publishing Company received the 2007 Business Partner for Education Awards.
The Friend of Education Award was established by Wake Education Partnership in 1990 to celebrate extraordinary acts of leadership by citizens for public education. Recipients of the award have included many of our most accomplished and respected leaders of industry, government and community.
Often described as “a man with the ability to move mountains, without ever wanting recognition” Richard Urquhart has devoted both his time and resources to creating and maintaining excellence in Wake County Public Schools. Former Governor Jim Hunt described Urquhart as “a man of the highest moral and ethical standards ”.
Urquhart was born in Raleigh. He is a graduate of the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill and Harvard Business School. His accomplishments through Investment Management Corporation have demonstrated his strong commitment to ensuring success for all students in North Carolina’s public schools. Urquhart serves on the Board of the Boys & Girls Club, The North Carolina Public School Forum and Wake Education Partnership. He joined Investment Management Corporation in 1985.
“Richard Urquhart is one of those rare individuals who recognizes the importance of preparing all children to be successful adults,” said Dr. Ann Denlinger, president of Wake Education Partnership. “He understands, therefore, that a strong public school system must be provided to all children. For his dedication and leadership, all children and citizens of Wake County are grateful”.
The Business Partner for Education Awards, given by Wake Education Partnership and the Greater Raleigh Chamber of Commerce, recognize Wake County businesses that provide exemplary leadership and support for Wake’s public schools through sustained commitment of employees at all levels.
The Wake Weekly believes in the importance of access to a high-quality education system for all families. The company has been dedicated to providing superior school and school sports coverage. Wake Weekly has been a strong supporter of classroom projects, and recognizes both student achievement and school volunteers. They have instituted an open policy to encourage employees to participate in school activities, such as job fairs and career days. Debra Golden, reporter for Wake Weekly, accepted the award.
The News & Observer believes that all children deserve a high-quality public education. This company has been a continuous supporter of public education in Wake County for many years. Its work has been critical in ensuring that all Wake County students have healthy learning environments and that educators have access to resources and materials in their classroom. The N&O has shown its commitment to public education through partnerships with organizations such as High Five Regional Partnership for High School Excellence, the North Carolina Reading Association, Teach for America and Wake Education Partnership, to name a few. The company’s employees have offered their expertise and commitment to public education in various areas of North Carolina. The N&O also works hard to support teachers, students and families in the Wake County Public School System through training programs, skill development and financial contributions. President and Publisher Orage Quarles, III and Vice President of Display Advertising Jim McClure accepted the award.
About Wake Education Partnership
Wake Ed is an advocacy organization dedicated to making world-class schools possible in Wake County through business and community involvement. We play a critical role in bringing people together, raising the level of discussion through capacity building, and brokering information and relationships around key issues in public education. Programs for 2007-08 focus on retaining effective teachers, developing effective education leaders, and ensuring healthy schools for all students. For more information, please visit www.WakeEd.org.
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