Niagara Falls Volunteer Hall Of Fame Inducts Inaugural Class
Art Eberhart, Evelyn Harris, Norma Higgs and Merrell Lane (posthumously) became the first inductees of the Niagara Falls Volunteer Hall of Fame during a ceremony held last night at Niagara Falls City Hall.
Plaques bearing the likenesses of inductees will be displayed inside City Hall.
The Niagara Falls Volunteer Hall of Fame was established to honor residents of the city of Niagara Falls who have demonstrated a lifelong commitment to community service. It arose from the city’s annual Volunteer Fair, which is an endeavor conceived by ReNU Niagara, a community outreach program of Niagara University. The Rev. James J. Maher, C.M., president of Niagara University, New York Congressman Brian Higgins and Niagara Falls Mayor Paul Dyster then collaborated to launch the Niagara Falls Volunteer Hall of Fame. ReNU Niagara facilitated this year’s nomination and selection process.
“Through the Volunteer Hall of Fame, we celebrate the giving spirit of the people of Niagara Falls who make this community such a special place to learn, work, live and serve,” said Father Maher. “Our Catholic and Vincentian mission at Niagara University compels us to imbue in our students and alumni a tireless passion to serve those most in need, and these four individuals have embodied that spirit with ingenuity, energy and action. We congratulate them on their induction.”
“The individuals being inducted today certainly embody the spirit of service that is the backbone of Niagara University,” noted Dr. Debra Colley, NU’s executive vice president. “They have each developed passions for their community, in their own unique and special ways, and have acted on their passions, time and time again – and the Niagara Falls and larger community are better off because of them. I would like to extend to them an enormous amount of gratitude and appreciation on behalf of myself, Father Maher and the rest of the Niagara University community.”