Provided by York News Times
The York County Development Corp. recognized three individuals for their impact on economic and community development during its annual Stakeholders Banquet on Thursday night at the York Country Club.
Receiving the York County Impact Awards were Anthony Jacobsen, Stephanie Metzger and Shannon Leinen.
“These people are having a ripple effect that will pay dividends for a long time,” Executive Director Lisa Hurley wrote.
Leinen was heralded as “a visionary leader whose contributions extend across education, business and community development.”
“As the provost of York University, a small business owner and the director of Nebraska Youth Camp, Dr. Shannon Leinen wears many hats,” Hurley said, “but no matter the role, her focus is always on empowering others and building a stronger community.”
Leinen helped secure the Sound and Vision Grant for York University in collaboration with Collins Aerospace, providing new educational and technological opportunities, not only for students but also the entire community.
The studio includes a room for students to use a virtual reality headset, a room to record and produce podcasts and a room for a One Button Studio, which allows users to save their recording on their own storage drive.
York University interim President Jared Stark cited Leinen’s work on the university’s accreditation effort, leading a team from across campus to achieve a rare perfect score, meeting all criteria.
Stark said Leinen constantly looks for ways to make the university better for students.
“She impacts everyone she comes in contact with,” he said.
“Her openness to innovation, her ‘yes’ mindset and her ability to bring people together set her apart as a true changemaker in York County,” Hurley said.
“These three individuals … have each made a lasting impact on York County in their own unique ways,” she said. “They exemplify the values of leadership, service and progress that drive our community forward.”