[Press Release] : FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: Former mayor Mary Anne McCollum receives Howard B. Lang, Jr. Award

[Press Releases]

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Contact: John Baker
Trust Specialist
573-817-5027
john.baker at como.gov

Former mayor Mary Anne McCollum receives Howard B. Lang, Jr. Award

COLUMBIA, MO (April 5, 2016) - Mary Anne McCollum was chosen to receive the eighth annual Howard B. Lang, Jr. Award for Outstanding Volunteer Service to the City of Columbia. She was recognized during the Columbia City Council meeting on Monday, April 4. Numerous members of her family and friendship circle were present to observe the award presentation.

The Lang Award was initiated by a gift from Leo Hill in 2008 to honor the memory of Howard B. Lang, Jr., who served as Columbia’s mayor from 1953 to 1957, and to recognize a citizen annually who models the highest qualities of volunteerism to City programs or services. Hill was city manager during the years when Lang was mayor.

McCollum has served her city well and in many significant capacities, including being mayor of Columbia from 1989 to 1995. She has been Columbia’s only woman mayor. McCollum has also served on numerous City boards and task forces, was Ward 2 City Council representative from 1985 to 1989 and has been a member of the Columbia Housing Authority since 1997.

While on City Council, McCollum worked to improve Columbia’s economy and championed civil rights.

Many of the hallmarks of “Columbia life” find their origin during the days of McCollum’s council service and her mayoral term. She helped secure donations to establish and build the original Martin Luther King, Jr., Memorial, and she served on the MLK Memorial restoration committee. McCollum formed and chaired the inaugural committee for the annual Columbia Values Diversity Celebration. In cooperation with the University of Missouri, McCollum helped plan the opening ceremonies and reception for major donors of the first Show-Me State Games in 1985. She helped to develop the Columbia Wetlands Project, an ecologically sound method for treating wastewater while providing wildlife habitat. And, among many others, McCollum created the concept and then served as a member of the task force that formed Columbia Regional Economic Development, Inc., or REDI, as it is now commonly known.

Much of McCollum’s current volunteerism is through the Columbia Housing Authority, where she serves on the board of directors. In that role she works to improve housing and housing opportunities for low-income persons, make residences safer, more efficient, better maintained and equipped, and, most importantly, create an environment that leads to self-sufficiency for a diverse population.

Outside of official City of Columbia programs and services, McCollum has volunteered with numerous nonprofit organizations and community associations, such as Central Missouri Humane Society, Rainbow House, Boys and Girls Club of the Columbia Area, and the Rotary Club of Columbia (Downtown).

According to one of McCollum’s nominators, “She always had an ear for constituent interests and what was best for the city as a whole.”

The selection committee for the annual Lang Award changes every year, but always includes the sitting mayor of Columbia. Other members of the 2016 selection committee were Darwin Hindman, Stephanie Browning, Brianna Lennon and Charles Allen. The committee’s selection criteria are a nominee’s volunteer activities, personal initiative and impact.

“Mary Anne has been deeply involved with developing the high-quality of life character of Columbia, and the Lang Award is a fitting tribute to her and her dedication to our city,” Mayor Bob McDavid said.

A cash gift of $1,000 is included with the award; McCollum asked that her gift be designated for Patriot Place, a new housing development to service homeless veterans, to establish a dog park there, helping make it a home for veterans and their furry companions.  

Also present at the April 4 Council meeting was Khaki Westerfield, daughter of Howard B. Lang, Jr., and Columbia resident.

Past recipients of the Lang Award are Ed Kaiser, Darwin Hindman, Dave Griggs, Robert C. Smith, Eva Jo Sapp (posthumously), Kee Groshong and Genie Rogers.



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http://www.gocolumbiamo.com/CMS/pressreleases/downloadfile.php?id=1169



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