Gene Schultz
Community Service Award
Selection Process and Criteria
Each year, Greater Ottumwa Partners in Progress presents the Gene Schultz Community Service Award to an individual whose volunteer service to the community best exemplifies Gene’s own commitment.
Criteria for selection:
Winning candidates may demonstrate the following qualities:
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Contributes to the betterment of their workplace, church, community, and family
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Participates in civic activity
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Is proud of the Ottumwa community
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Is enthusiastic about the community
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Is a person who makes a difference in the lives of the people and the community
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Is a worker as well as an organizer
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Promotes Ottumwa
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Allegiance is to the community as a whole rather than to one group
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No selfish motivation
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Gives others credit and recognition
Eligibility
Anyone who promotes the Ottumwa community is eligible. The place of residence is less relevant than the fact that the person promotes Ottumwa.
2025 Gene Schultz Community Service Award Recipient
- Brian Morgan
Each year, Greater Ottumwa Partners in Progress presents the Gene Schultz Community Service Award to an individual whose volunteerism, civic involvement, and dedication reflect Gene Schultz’s commitment to serving others. The 2025 award, marking the 33rd year of this community recognition, was presented to Robert “Brian” Morgan. For more than 15 years, Brian has supported local youth as a coach, quietly helped individuals in need, encouraged local businesses and community events, and served on numerous boards and organizations throughout Ottumwa and Wapello County. His public service includes terms on the Ottumwa City Council and Wapello County Board of Supervisors, where he helped advance rural broadband access, expand the Pioneer Ridge Nature Center campground, and improve compensation for county employees. As president of the Southeast Iowa Sports Commission, he also played a leading role in developing the Southeast Iowa JBS Sports Center. Through his leadership, generosity, and willingness to serve, Brian has made a lasting impact on the entire region.
PAST RECIPIENTS
2024 - Bill Ansley
2023 - Holly Berg
2022 - Ann Youngman
2021 - Connie Ferguson
2020 - Jeff Hendred
2019 - Bob Morrissey
2018 - Larry Jarvis
2017 - Jean Dell
2016 - Pam Kaupins
2015 - Fred Jenkins
2014 - Kim Hellige
2013 - John Hunolt
2012 - Steve Banyas
2011 - Charles Bates
2010 - Bill & Donna Greenley
2009 - Patsy Seals
2008 - Larry Cofer
2007 - Ed Ball
2006 - Robert D. Perkins
2005 - Thomas X. Lazio
2004 - Darlene Peta
2003 - Mary Ann Reiter
2002 - Dale Uehling
2001 - Ron Brickey
2000 - Wayne Millard
1999 - Carol & Berry Barnes
1998 - Jim Schwartz
1997 - Robert McCune
1996 - Ted & Dianne Haas
1995 - Rich Gaumer
1994 - Carl Radosevich
1993 - Baxter Smith