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University of Phoenix Volunteer Leader Award


In celebration of the first anniversary of the landmark Edward M. Kennedy Serve America Act, University of Phoenix and HandsOn Network honored 10 outstanding volunteer leaders who motivate others and are true catalysts for change in their communities.

The 10 University of Phoenix Volunteer Leader Award Honorees are dedicated to a range of causes and are excellent examples of the power of volunteerism. Collectively, as agents of positive change in the world, they represent this generation's volunteer leaders.

Grand Prize Honoree - Doris Turner

Doris Turner, of Perrysburg, Ohio was recognized as the Grand Prize Honoree, receiving a $15,000 grant for her service work as co-founder of Hannah's Socks.

On a chilly Thanksgiving Day in 2004, Doris Turner took her 4-year-old daughter Hannah to help serve dinner at a local homeless shelter. In the middle of the hustle of filling plates, Hannah tugged on her mom's sweater and said, "Mommy, won't his feet be cold?"

Hannah was worried about a man in line whose shoes had split open to reveal he wore no socks. The next day Doris and a still-concerned Hannah purchased 100 pairs of socks for the shelter.

Keeping their efforts a secret, Doris and Hannah began a tradition of donating socks to the shelter each Thanksgiving. Doris eventually learned that of all the materials donated to shelters, new socks and undergarments were needed the most, but given the least.

Doris knew she had the seed of a great idea and, inspired by her daughter, decided to co-found Hannah's Socks Inc. with her husband. Hannah's Socks Inc. now serves more than 40 shelters and programs across three Midwestern states. Because of her family's dedication, more than 125,000 pairs of socks were distributed to families in need in 2009.

Said Doris, "Hannah's Socks began as a dream. It was a dream that I saw through my young daughter's eyes. The compassion that I saw that day in her became my heartfelt mission. I couldn't let her down."


Nine additional honorees received $10,000 grants for the charitable organizations of their choice.
  • Charles Bell (Livermore, CO) founded Poudre Wilderness Volunteers an environmental organization dedicated to education and conservation of U.S. Forest Service lands.

  • Sejal Hathi (Fremont, CA) founded Girls Helping Girls, an international organization that connects girls around the world to develop social change.

  • Carla Koren (Berkeley, CA) created Super Stars Literacy a successful after-school program offering supplementary literacy education to help children build a foundation for lifelong learning and achievement.

  • Katy Keck (New York, NY) is a volunteer leader with Infinite Family, an organization that uses online video-based mentoring to connect teens and pre-teens in South Africa with adult mentors from all over the world.

  • Capt. J.R. "CC" Kreglo (Leesburg, FL) identifies and fills unmet volunteer and resource needs that are critical in addressing health, education, and public safety issues.

  • Monica Orluck (McKeesport, PA) demonstrates appreciation for deployed United States Armed Forces members in her role as Vice President for Operation Troop Appreciation.

  • Rickie Santer (Levittown, NY) develops thousands of civic leaders and inspires a passion for community service through his role as the acting New York District Circle K Lt. Governor.

  • Kenneth Trinh (Oakland, CA) volunteers with Oakland Asian Students Educational Services to offer students with limited resources additional support with education, mentorship and service.

  • Linda Watts (Fruitland Park, FL) founded Florida's Hometown USA to encourage elementary through high school students to become involved in volunteering.

By celebrating these inspirational leaders, the University of Phoenix and HandsOn Network hope that others will be motivated to serve in their communities. "We are proud to honor each of these outstanding individuals and excited to see what they will continue to accomplish as volunteer leaders in their communities," said Bill Pepicello, president, University of Phoenix. "By celebrating these inspirational leaders, University of Phoenix and HandsOn Network hope that others will be motivated to serve in their communities."






Doris Turner #2 Charles Bell #1 Sejal Hathi #1 Carla Koren #1 Katy Keck #1 J. Kreglo #1 Monica Orluck #1 Rickie Santer #1 Kenneth Trinh #1 Linda Watts #1