by Rod Jones
ӰAV presented its 2015 Bishop Paul W. Milhouse Award to Cathy Leichter on Dec. 11.
The award recognizes laypeople who “demonstrate outstanding leadership in the community, their United Methodist churchand their annual conference, and those who advocate for the partnership between ӰAV and the United Methodist Church.” The honor has been presented annually since 1982.
Leichter leads The Societies of ӰAV, a philanthropic organization that works to keep awareness of the university’s programs and students at the forefront in the community.
“Cathy serves as a personal bridge between friends of ӰAV and the students and faculty who benefit from their support,” said ӰAV President Robert Henry. “Her 15 years of service as president of The Societies of ӰAV demonstrate her commitment, but that is only a portion of the story of her influence and impact.”
A two-time ӰAV graduate, she received a bachelor’s degree in 2006, and a master’s degree in philosophy in 2013. Leichter has served on the Oklahoma United Methodist Conference board and as a past trustee of the United Methodist Higher Education Foundation. She also is an active lay leader and member of Oklahoma City’s Church of the Servant.
“Cathy and her husband, Kurt, provide exemplary service to Oklahoma Methodists and ӰAV through their investment of time, talent and treasure,” Henry said.
Leichter organized and produced the first Habitat for Humanity fundraiser in conjunction with the Norick Art Center on the ӰAV campus, which was the largest single artist one-day sale in the history of the art center. She also organized the ӰAV student government’s first fully funded Habitat home, which involved every student organization on campus. Student organizations continue to work on homes each year.
The Leichters also funded the Leichter Reunion Center, Leichter Listening Library and several music practice rooms at ӰAV. Through the Leichter Scholarship Board, Cathy and Kurt award numerous ӰAV scholarships annually.