APSU Board of Trustees Awards

At the summer meeting, the Board of Trustees approve the recipients of three awards to deserving alumni/friends/organizations. The awards are: APSU Philanthropist of the Year, Govs Who Lead Through Military Service, and Govs Who Lead Through Service.

2022 Recipients


	APSU Philanthropist of the Year Tom Kane President and CEO of Fortera Credit Union Tom Kane is originally from Wisconsin. He has a Bachelor of Business Administration in finance from the University of Wisconsin, and has worked in financial services in numerous locations across the country for more than 25 years. Before retiring in 2022, he served as president and CEO of Fortera Credit Union for 12 years. During his time in that role, Fortera continually increased its support for Austin Peay State University in a variety of ways. It is Tom and Fortera’s desire that these investments not only provide valuable resources, but that they also inspire a belief in success. Read more
	Govs Who lead Through Military Service Yolonda M Williams APSU Military Alumni Chapter vice president Yolonda M. Williams is a motivated professional with impressive leadership abilities and extensive team building experience in the military, small businesses and various non-profit roles. She served 25 years in active duty in the US Army. Since 2020, Yolonda has been vice president of the Clarksville Alumnae Chapter of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc. She is responsible for coordinating the annual Delta Day on the Hill at both the state and national levels. Yolonda has also been vice president of the APSU Military Alumni Chapter since 2020, and she is vice president of the Association of the United States Army (AUSA) Enlisted Affairs. Read more
	Govs Who Lead Through Service George And Sharon Mabry Retired Faculty Members of the APSU Department of Music Over the course of many years, Drs. George and Sharon Mabry have brought music and culture to the Clarksville community while teaching in the Music Department at Austin Peay State University. George is originally from Chattanooga, Tennessee, and Sharon is from Newport. They met as students at Florida State University. The couple has supported Austin Peay through contributions to many scholarships, the Woodward Library Society and the annual Holiday Dinner. Their service to their community is inspiring. Read more

Tom Kane standing infront of Fortera Stadium

APSU Philanthropist of the Year

Tom Kane
President and CEO of Fortera Credit Union

Tom Kane is originally from Wisconsin. He has a Bachelor of Business Administration in finance from the University of Wisconsin, and has worked in financial services in numerous locations across the country for more than 25 years. Before retiring in 2022, he served as president and CEO of Fortera Credit Union for 12 years. During his time in that role, Fortera continually increased its support for Austin Peay State University in a variety of ways.

It is Tom and Fortera’s desire that these investments not only provide valuable resources, but that they also inspire a belief in success.

Govs Who lead Through Military Service

Yolonda M Williams
APSU Military Alumni Chapter vice president

Yolonda M. Williams is a motivated professional with impressive leadership abilities and extensive team building experience in the military, small businesses and various non-profit roles. She served 25 years in active duty in the US Army.

Since 2020, Yolonda has been vice president of the Clarksville Alumnae Chapter of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc. She is responsible for coordinating the annual Delta Day on the Hill at both the state and national levels. Yolonda has also been vice president of the APSU Military Alumni Chapter since 2020, and she is vice president of the Association of the United States Army (AUSA) Enlisted Affairs.

George and Sharon Mabry in the Mabry concert hall

Govs Who Lead Through Service

George And Sharon Mabry
Retired Faculty Members of the APSU Department of Music

Over the course of many years, Drs. George and Sharon Mabry have brought music and culture to the Clarksville community while teaching in the Music Department at Austin Peay State University. George is originally from Chattanooga, Tennessee, and Sharon is from Newport. They met as students at Florida State University.

The couple has supported Austin Peay through contributions to many scholarships, the Woodward Library Society and the annual Holiday Dinner. Their service to their community is inspiring.

Criteria and past recipients

This award recognizes an individual or organization that has given a large amount of resources to Austin Peay State University. More than one individual or organization may receive the award dependent on the merit of nominations received, which will be given on an annual basis. A minimum of the criteria for the award must be met for the award to be given out.

Criteria:

Generous giving of resources to Austin Peay State University.
Significant influence on others to become involved in fundraising or supporting APSU.
Exceptional civic responsibility and integrity.
A continued commitment and philanthropic effort that has improved the quality of life for Austin Peay State University.

Past Recipients:

2021 - The Band Foundation

2020 - Joe and Cathi Maynard

2019 - Wilma Newton

2018 - Doug and Linda Downey

Austin Peay State University established the Govs Who Lead Through Military Service award to give special recognition to an individual or organization who demonstrates support of APSU through leadership, service and advocacy. His/her efforts have provided honor and distinction to APSU. More than one individual or organization may receive the award dependent on the merit of nominations received, which will be given on an annual basis. A minimum of the criteria for the award must be met for the award to be given out.

Criteria:

Service, leadership, or advocacy to Austin Peay State University.
Exceptional civic responsibility and integrity.
This individual must fall into one these three categories: is a veteran, active duty, or significantly supports the APSU military community.

Past Recipients:

2021 - Retired CW4 Joe Shakeenab

2020 - Retired Lt. Col. Thomas E. Mercer Sr.

2019 - Jack Turner

2018 - Lt. Gen. Ron Bailey

Austin Peay State University established the Govs Who Lead Through Service award to give special recognition to an individual who demonstrates support through leadership, service and advocacy. His/her efforts have provided honor and distinction to APSU. More than one individual or organization may receive the award dependent on the merit of nominations received, which will be given on an annual basis. A minimum of the criteria for the award must be met for the award to be given out.

Criteria:

Service, leadership, or advocacy to Austin Peay State University.
Exceptional civic responsibility and integrity

Past Recipients

2021 - 2021 Candlelight Ball Committee Co-Chairs, Kathryn Minniehan and Kayla Morgan

2020 - Tom and Susie Perry

2019 - Ben Kimbrough Sr.

2018 - Jim and Mark Holleman