Drexel University to Receive Founders Award from 10,000 Friends of Pennsylvania

Annual Commonwealth Awards program celebrates smart growth, public transit, urban green infrastructure;  SEPTA and the Philadelphia Water Department also to be honored.

Harrisburg, PA (January 2017) – The Commonwealth’s leading voice for smart growth, 10,000 Friends of Pennsylvania, has tapped Drexel University to be the inaugural recipient of the Joanne Denworth Founders Award, the highest award given by the statewide nonprofit. Drexel President John A. Fry will accept the honor and deliver keynote remarks at the Commonwealth Awards celebration on the evening of January 24, 2017 at the Academy of Natural Sciences of Drexel University in Philadelphia.

“Under John’s leadership, Drexel University is transforming our region,” said Caroline Boyce, 10,000 Friends’ Board Chair. “Through creative partnerships with the City of Philadelphia, University City District, and other development partners, the University is reshaping and revitalizing Philadelphia in bold, strategic ways. We are delighted to celebrate these game-changing, smart growth initiatives through the annual Commonwealth Awards program.”

Named in honor of 10,000 Friends’ founder and first president Joanne Denworth, the Founders Award recognizes visionary institutional leadership in community revitalization initiatives that exemplify sound land-use principles. By honoring these efforts, 10,000 Friends hopes to encourage civic leadership at all levels and inspire local developers to make more such projects a reality. Drexel University is the first recipient of the Joanne Denworth Founders Award.

The Commonwealth Awards celebration will also present the Excellence in Community Transportation Award to the Southeastern Pennsylvania Transportation Authority (SEPTA) and the Excellence in Public Infrastructure Award to the Philadelphia Water Department, as well as recognizing outstanding leadership in the business and development community.

SEPTA will be honored for public transportation initiatives that underscore the value and role of community transportation, including infrastructure renewal and capacity enhancement projects, innovative business strategies that emphasize sustainability, and industry-leading safety efforts.  General Manager Jeffrey D. Knueppel will accept the award on behalf of SEPTA.

The Philadelphia Water Department will be recognized for Green City, Clean Waters, a groundbreaking program that uses neighborhood green investments as the primary tool for protecting local waterways from runoff pollution and sewer overflows.  Water Commissioner Debra A. McCarty will accept on behalf of the Philadelphia Water Department.

“These organizations are shaping our future growth and prosperity,” said Jack Machek, 10,000 Friends’ President & CEO. “Through smart and innovative sustainable initiatives, they are enhancing the quality of life, economic competitiveness, and access to opportunity for all citizens of our region.”

Reserve your spot for the Commonwealth Awards here.  For information on sponsorships go to www.10000friends.org/sponsorship-0.

About 10,000 Friends

10,000 Friends of Pennsylvania is the leading statewide and regional voice for creating great places to live and work. Founded in 1998, we advocate for policies and investments that build and sustain walkable, healthy communities for all Pennsylvanians. As a recognized authority on responsible land use, we partner with and provide technical assistance to government officials, non-profit organizations and the private sector on development and policy solutions that protect the natural and built environments, strengthen local economies, provide access to economic opportunity for all, and improve community health and quality of life in our state’s diverse cities, towns, older suburbs, and rural communities. Visit www.10000friends.org.

# # #