Wichita State University recently received the 2010 Corporation of the Year Award from the W.G. Williams Community Foundation Inc.

Ted Ayres

"It's so special that the award was made during a celebration of the life of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. and so close in time to the wonderful Parks photography exhibition opening at the Ulrich Museum this weekend (Saturday, Jan. 23)," said WSU Vice President and General Counsel Ted Ayres.

The W.G. Williams Community Foundation is a Christ-centered organization in Wichita that values ethnic, gender and denominational diversity. It focuses on academic wellness and youth, and values programs and activities that promote lifelong learning.

The award presentation is made to the corporation that exemplifies company values that support and promote education and continuing education excellence; excellence in promoting the "value of inclusion" within their corporate structure; an established diversity program that excels in active recruitment and promotion of ethnic minorities; and encouragement of its employees in community volunteer programs.

"On behalf of the university, I want to express appreciation to the board of directors of the Williams Foundation for naming WSU as the Corporation of the Year for 2010," said Ayres. "I am particularly pleased with this honor because it recognizes and validates the university's efforts to build and foster a campus culture of dignity and respect for our faculty and staff and all WSU students.

"I would also like to thank all the university representatives, the WU Crew under the leadership of Carmen Hytche, who have given so freely of their time and money to support so many charities and humanitarian projects in Wichita and in Kansas."

WSU was recognized for many alumni who have celebrated fame and fortune throughout the United States and several foreign countries.

The Williams Foundation also noted that WSU has provided resources for mailings, programs, office supplies and finances to ensure the success of the black perspective, according to foundation chairman Lincoln Montgomery.

In announcing Wichita State as recipient of this award, Montgomery said: "They (WSU) have reigned as a corporation that supports and promotes education and continuing education excellence, promoting the value of inclusion within their corporate structure."