Second Annual Walter M. Schirra Leadership Award Gala
On February 20th, 2009, the second annual Walter M. Schirra Leadership Award Gala took place at the Governor’s Mansion in Little Rock, Arkansas. The first Walter M. Schirra Leadership Award recipient, Governor Mike Beebe (Arkansas State University ’68) welcomed 212 guests to his residence for the event once again. Attendees were treated to an open reception at the Governor’s residence. They also shared a dinner with Governor Beebe, and honorees Tracy Lawrence and Major General Elder Granger, which was prepared by the Governor’s chefs as well as the Award presentation ceremony. The proceeds from this event, over $60,000 will help support as the Governor Mike Beebe Veteran’s Fund as well the Sigma Pi Educational Foundation.
In honor of Brother Beebe, with the support of the Beck Foundation and the Sigma Pi Educational Foundation the Governor Mike Beebe Veteran’s Fund was established in June 2007. The purpose of this fund is to provide scholarships for wounded and disabled veterans who served our country in the War on Terror. This fund honors those who have served our country as well as the families who have lost a loved one in the service of our country.
This year’s event honored two men who were deserving of the Walter M. Schirra Leadership Award which is presented to a brother of Sigma Pi Fraternity or someone worthy of the honor - who distinguishes himself through public service, philanthropy, leadership, character, and personal accomplishment.
The first award was presented to Brother Tracy Lawrence (Southern Arkansas University ’87). Brother Lawrence was recently awarded the Musical Event of the Year, his first Country Music Association Award, for “Find out Who Your Friends Are” with Tim McGraw and Kenny Chesney. In addition, Lawrence has produced at least twenty Top 10 Hits with sixteen songs reaching the number one status. Brother Lawrence received this award for his many accomplishments, not only in his music career, but for his philanthropic efforts and as a brother who exemplifies the ideals found in the Sigma Pi Creed.
The second recipient of the award was presented to Major General Elder Granger (Arkansas State University ’76) a nonmember but still well deserving of this award. Major General Granger is the Deputy Director and Program Executive Officer of the TRICARE Management Activity, Office of the Assistant Secretary of Defense. He leads 1,800 staff members to carry out a $22.5 Billion Defense Health Program and has won numerous awards. MG Granger received this award for his many years of service to the US Army as well as his numerous accomplishments and philanthropic efforts.
The Sigma Pi Educational Foundation also recognized the Beck Family for their contributions to the Governor Mike Beebe Veteran’s Fund as its leading contributors. The Beck’s also received the Diamond Award in special recognition from the Arkansas National Guard for their continuing efforts to benefit veterans.
Article prepared by Josh Singleton, jsingleton@sigmapi.org
