08-28-96 Rev. Troy Receives Watson Award

REVEREND LEON TROY RECEIVES 1996 WATSON AWARD

	COLUMBUS -- In recognition of his contributions to the 
community, the Rev. Leon Troy, pastor of Second Baptist Church 
and a member of the Columbus Board of Education, has received the 
1996 William H. Watson Jr. Memorial Award at The Ohio State 
University.
	Established in 1977, the Watson Award is presented annually 
by University College to individuals or groups who embody the 
ideals and personal qualities of William H. Watson, a former 
associate dean of the college and professor of agriculture 
education who died in 1975.
	A former special assistant on community affairs for former 
mayor Dana Rinehart, Troy sits on a number of boards and 
committees including: Operation Feed; Disaster Services; 
Employment Relations Task Force; Human Services in Franklin 
County; United Negro College Fund; Project Care and the American 
Red Cross.  He was recently appointed to the Columbus Board of 
Education, replacing the late Sharlene Morgan. 
	"Rev. Troy has worked tirelessly to provide equal 
opportunity for all," said Mac Stewart, dean of University 
College.  "He encourages and supports the pursuit of knowledge 
and academic excellence for students of all ages, and serves well 
his congregation and the community at large."
	As pastor of Second Baptist Church, Troy led his 
congregation in establishing the Second Baptist Housing 
Corporation, which was awarded recently a Housing and Urban 

Development project grant of $1,750,000 to erect a 45 unit 
housing complex for the elderly.

	"Rev. Troy provides leadership in his professional calling, 
his community and his relationships with others. The breadth of 
his influence and the ideals he exemplifies makes us grateful for 
his presence in our community," Stewart said.

	This year's ceremony was held Aug. 15 at the Faculty Club, 
with several members of Dr. Watson's family in attendance, 
including his widow, Catherine Watson; his son William H. Watson 
III; and Mrs. Watson's niece and her husband, Dr. and Mrs. Wiley 
Woodard.

#

Contact: Mac Stewart, dean of University College, (614) 292-6344.


[Submitted by: Ruth Gerstner  (rgerstne@magnus.acs.ohio-state.edu)
               
Wed, 28 Aug 1996 09:57:11 -0400]
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