1961-1970

  • 1970 • Mr. Ervin Weil, for his humanitarian work in many fields, particularly with the Evansville Human Relations Commission.
  • 1969 • Mr. D. Bailey Merrill, for his inspired work relating to the Citizens’ Crime Committee and the publication of the Committee Report, providing specific recommendations for reducing the overall crime problem.
  • 1968 • Mr. Alexander L. Leich, for his outstanding leadership as President of the Evansville Philharmonic Orchestra and for being the “Ready-Reserve” of Evansville’s leadership. Through exemplary conduct, scholarship, character and service he has been a humanizing influence and has inspired his fellow citizens to a fuller life.
  • 1967 • Mr. Norman A. Shane, Sr., great humanitarian, patriot and community leader, who for almost 40 years has generously devoted his many talents to his city, his country, his religion and his vocation. “A man of action, integrity, and stability whose light didn’t burn out after his first few years of community service.”
  • 1966 • Mr. Leland M. Feigel, for his dynamic leadership and untiring personal efforts, as president and director of the Evansville-Vanderburgh County Building Authority, in the successful launching and progress in building of the Civic Center complex, and for his financial leadership which saved untold amounts for the taxpayers.
  • 1965 • Mrs. Louis B.Whiting, in recognition of and appreciation for her sympathetic and continuing service to the emotionally and mentally ill of our community.
  • 1964 • Mr. Arad A. McCutchan, for bringing nationwide publicity and recognition to this community in recruiting and coaching the Evansville College basketball team to an undefeated season and to its fourth NCAA College Division National Championship as well as for his other civic and religious endeavors and his successful work in leading and developing our youth.
  • 1963 • Joseph E. O’Daniel, in recognition of his long years of unselfish devotion to civic service and, particularly, for his unexcelled leadership in the Central Business District Improvement and Civic Center Development project.
  • 1962 • Col. Robert M. Leich, for his enthusiastic approach to our community betterment; for his tireless participation in the success of an extraordinary number of local, state, and national organizations, for his conscientious interest and aggressive service to the welfare of others for over a quarter of a century.
  • 1961 • Mr. William A. Carson, for the broad scope of his contributions to this community, in business and industry, his help to our children through the YMCA and Camp Carson, and his work for the education of our youth through scholarships and financial support at Evansville College.