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85001_GVCC_Mag.qxd 1/13/06 9:10 AM Page 8 Salute To Leadership LO 200 On January 14, 2006, at its annual “Salute to Leadership” dinner the Valpo Chamber honored Douglas Pierce as the 21st recipient of the Distinguished Community Leader Award and Dr. John R. Poncher and Lorrie Woycik as recipients of the 2005 Valpo Chamber Legacy of Service Award. DOUGLAS PIERCE 2005 Distinguished Community Leader The Distinguished Community Leader award is given to an individual each year within the community who demonstrates a leadership role, is successful in promoting and developing business and industry, is involved and contributes to the community, has a general reputation among the community business leaders and enhances the quality of life in our community on a sustained basis. Born and raised in Valparaiso, Doug Pierce is an entrepreneur, reputable community leader and compassionate volunteer and honored as this year’s Distinguished Community Leader. Upon graduating from Valparaiso High School, Doug Pierce received an Architectural Degree at University of Cincinnati. In 1971, after serving two years in the U.S. Army, he established Design Organization, Inc. (DO) an architectural, design and space planning firm. Celebrating 34 years, DO has received numerous awards and has been instrumental in local projects, like Valparaiso University’s GeoMet Building and Ivy State Tech College Region 1, Valparaiso Campus. Currently retired, Doug proudly and accurately promotes his job title as “Community Member.” He was a founding member and first president of Porter County Arts Commission; President of Porter County Mental Health Association; member of the Valparaiso Community Schools’ Curriculum Advisory Panel and the Valparaiso Chamber Board. In the 1980’s, Doug was selected by County Commissions to represent Porter County at the Northern Indiana Health Systems Agency serving as Secretary for two terms and Treasurer for one term; he was selected by the Governor to represent Northern Indiana in state level health care planning strategies; served as a surrogate parent under Indiana Rule S-1 and oversaw the academic scheduling for children at Shultz-Lewis home; and chaired the Rotary Committee for community development where he initiated the idea of the original south Washington Street “Gate to the City” and developed the first “East Gate” plan for east Lincolnway. In the 90’s he organized the Central Neighborhood Association to preserve “the front porch” character of old neighborhoods, spawning the Banta Neighborhood Organization; he organized the Valparaiso Reclamation Foundation, a 501c3 Corporation to save residential “at risk” structures; served as President of the Valparaiso Parks Foundation; and member of the Northview Elementary Curriculum Review Committee. In the 2000’s Doug co-chaired the Veteran’s and Volunteer Memorial project; was an active participant in the Hyatt-Palma Study for downtown building and business owners; and was a team member, under City Planner Craig Phillip’s direction, to update the downtown building and design ordinance. Doug is supported, encouraged, and helped by his wife, Cindi, daughter, Catherine, and son, Andrew. Dam dev for illu she (no ded pub and sinc con thro Cou She exp serv DR. JOHN R. PONCHER 2005 Legacy of Service “Valparaiso truly is my town,” explains Dr. John R. Poncher as he refers back to the mid 1800’s when his family first decided to make Valparaiso home. Ask any lifelong Valparaiso resident and they would surely agree. Practicing pediatrics for four generations, Dr. Poncher is an icon in Valparaiso’s medical community. A child advocate and member of the American Academy of Pediatrics, he has a passion for children’s health. Dr. Poncher is a graduate of Wabash University, Valparaiso University and Indiana University Medical School and served a four-year stint in the U.S. Navy. His professional affiliations include partner at Glendale Medical Center from 1967-2002, founder of Associated Pediatricians in 1969 and co-initiator of the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit at Porter Memorial Hospital. Even today, as a “retiree,” (which he is far from in true definition) Dr. Poncher has given back to the community by wholeheartedly volunteering his time and expertise. His financial and social dedication to Hilltop Community Health Center, a state-funded center, includes serving on the board and providing free healthcare every Friday for the past four years. In 2004, the Indiana State Medical Association awarded him the Physician Community Service Award for his efforts at Hilltop. Dr. Poncher serves on the Porter County Special Education Cooperative’s Advisory Board; Board of Directors - Children’s Memorial Hospital Community Physicians Association; and Board of Directors – Fifth Third Corporation, Northern Division. Through all the awards and recognitions, Poncher remains a grounded individual who attributes his accomplishments to those around him. The doctor and his wife, Gwen, currently reside in Valparaiso. They have 4 children and 6 grandchildren. Valpopourri The first church established was First Baptist Church in 1837. 8 Valpo Magazine Winter 2006 ww
ty ry n’s ans fth n. ns, ho ose en, 4 85001_GVCC_Mag.qxd 1/13/06 9:10 AM Page 9 s . tal ols’ the ter as by are -1 e; ere the In rve nta on es; of the ct; wn ity nd LORRIE WOYCIK 2005 Legacy of Service Lorrie Woycik, a native of New York came to Valparaiso to attend Valparaiso University where she earned her bachelor’s degree in 1952 and received her master’s in Special Education from St. Mary’s College, Notre Dame in 1966. Her humanitarian spirit, devotion to community service, and advocacy for children with special needs is eloquently illustrated in her life’s work. Her “lifelong love” began in 1957 when she was asked to teach at the Vale Day School (now Opportunity Enterprises), a school dedicated to those children who were denied public schooling. “I was hooked the first day and have led a life of joy and blessings ever since!” Lorrie taught for 39 years and continues to be involved with “her kids” through Special Olympics as both Porter County Coordinator and Outreach Director. She assisted Harley Snyder in co-chairing the expansion of Opportunity Enterprises, serves on Opportunity Enterprises’ board, and assists with the Gala silent auction. In addition, she is serving in her 12th year on the Valparaiso Community School Board; volunteers at the high school’s security door; and is a member of Kiwanis. She actively serves whenever and wherever she is needed whether with Ivy Tech, Relay for Life, Breast Cancer Walk, Elvis Fantasy Fest, Building Together and everything in between. Lorrie also writes a weekly column for the “Neighbors” section of the Post-Tribune because she “believes in learning the good about others.” “Most people equate success with big houses, fancy cars, bulging bank accounts and prestige. I humbly suggest that they have it all wrong – my success is from hugs, “I love you Miss Lorrie,” caring friends and a husband who lets me be me!” Lorrie Woycik and her husband Barney have three children (Cheryl, Mark and Carol) and 7 grandchildren. Valpopourri In Spanish, Valparaiso means “Vale of Paradise”. di, 06 www.connecttovalpo.com 9
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Winter-2006

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