LUM "Retirement" Follies - Emotional Tribute
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Joe Micon - Honored as True Community Leader
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Last Friday, close to 500 individuals gathered to pay tribute to
Joe Micon, a true community leader for more than 41 years. The event included amazing musical performances by Michael Kelsey, Purdue Varsity Glee Club, Black Voices of Inspiration, Zelaya, and the 65 member, LUM Ecumenical Choir.
Joe Micon and his family were joined by past executive director, Rev. Jud Dolphin; past acting director, Mary Anderson; Ellen Elly, the wife of the founding executive director, the late Rev. Ron Elly; Rev. Don Nead; and Professor Emeritus Jim Davidson. The event concluded with a reception sponsored by
Lafayette Brewing Company.
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Joe was overwhelmed with the love and support from the guests and speakers. He was presented with the following:
- Sagamore of the Wabash - from Governor Holcomb presented by State Senator Ron Alting (see more below)
- Marquis de Lafayette Award - from the City of Lafayette presented by Mayor Tony Roswarski - the highest award given for going above and beyond with volunteerism, citizenship, and overall dedication & commitment to the community
- Quilt - made from squares created by the LUM After School Program students (see photo to right)
- Artwork Gift - from the City of West Lafayette presented by Mayor John Dennis
- Proclamation & the Indiana State Seal - from the state legislature presented by State Rep. Sheila Klinker
- Resolution - from the state legislature presented by State Rep. Chris Campbell
- Distinguished Alumni Award - IU School of Social Work (see more below)
- Executive Director Emeritus distinction - presented by the LUM Board of Directors (see more below)
LUM Follies
was also a fundraising event for the LUM
Good Samaritan Fund
—
an emergency financial assistance program. So far, the event has
raised close to $33,000
for the LUM general fund and
Good Samaritan Fund, in honor of Joe Micon
. If you were not able to attend the
LUM Follies
, you may send your well wishes to Joe Micon by email or US Mail (
jmicon@lumserve.org
| 420 N 4th Street, Lafayette, IN 47901).
Donations to LUM
in Joe's honor are still being accepted as well. Simply click the button below to give online.
Thanks to YOU
, Joe Micon was given the retirement send-off he deserves.
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To view
VIDEO, click
HERE. To view more
PHOTOS from the event, click
HERE.
{Photos courtesy of Bob Bauman. Video courtesy of Max Malavenda.}
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Joe Micon Receives the "Sagamore of the Wabash"
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One of the surprises for Joe Micon at the
LUM Retirement Follies was receiving the
Sagamore of the Wabash award from Governor Eric Holcomb, presented by State Senator Ron Alting.
The highest distinction in Indiana is the designation of "Sagamore of the Wabash" by the state governor. It is a personal tribute usually given to those who have rendered a distinguished service to the state or to the governor. Among those who have received Sagamores have been astronauts, presidents, politicians, ambassadors, artists, musicians, and ordinary citizens who have contributed greatly to our Hoosier heritage.
Congratulation to Joe Micon for becoming one of the select few to received this honorary award.
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The
Sagamore of the Wabash award reads:
WHEREAS, the greatness of the Sons of Indiana derives, in part, from qualities possessed by the noble Chieftains of the Indiana Tribes which once roamed its domain; and
WHEREAS, it has been the immemorial custom of the State of Indiana to attract to its support those who have exhibited such qualities; and
WHEREAS, there has endeared himself to the Citizens of Indiana one
Joe Micon
distinguished by his Humanity in Living, his Loyalty in Friendship, his Wisdom in Council, and his Inspiration in Leadership:
NOW, THEREFORE, recognizing his greatness and desiring to avail myself of his counsel, I do hereby appoint him a chieftain upon my staff with the rank and title of SAGAMORE of the WABASH
WITNESS my hand and the Seal of the Council of the Sagamores at Indianapolis, Indiana this 6th day of March in the year of Our Lord, Two Thousand and Twenty.
Signed: Eric J. Holcomb, Governor of the State of Indiana.
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Joe Micon Receives Distinguished Alumnus Award
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At an alumni awards luncheon last Friday at the Indiana University campus in Indianapolis, Joe Micon received the
Distinguished Alumnus Award from the IU School of Social Work Alumni Association. Joe was nominated by Mark Thomas, former LUM Board president and Eileen Weiss, LUM business manager. Mark and Joe's family were able to attend the luncheon as well.
The IU School of Social Work Alumni Association's Distinguished Alumnus Award is given annually to alumni who demonstrate outstanding service and leadership to the profession, state and school.
Congratulations Joe for this special IU School of Social Work alumni award.
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{Pictured above with Joe Micon is Mark Thomas, former LUM Board President.}
To view more
PHOTOS from the event, click
HERE.
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Room Dedicated to LUM Executive Directors
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LUM Conference Room Dedication Ceremony
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At a special reception last Thursday evening, the conference room in the LUM Office was dedicated to the Executive Directors of Lafayette Urban Ministry. The emcee for the event was the Rev. Don Nead.
Those honored at this event were as follows:
- Executive Directors: Joe Micon, the Rev. Jud Dolphin & the Rev. Ron Elly
- Acting Executive Director: Mary Anderson
- Interim Executive Directors: the Rev. Kurt Kremlich & Jo Johannsen
Joan Low, LUM Board president, also bestowed the title of
Executive Director Emeritus to Joe Micon, Rev. Jud Dolphin & Rev. Ron Elly; and
Acting Executive Director Emerita to Mary Anderson. Accepting for the Rev. Ron Elly was his wife, Ellen. After the "ribbon cutting," the guests attended a reception in the newly dedicated conference room, which now displays plaques in tribute to the above mentioned honorees. {
Pictured above L to R are the Rev. Don Nead, the Rev. Jud Dolphin, Ellen Elly, Joan Low, Mary Anderson, Cheryl Fowler & Joe Micon.}
It was a wonderful program and the beginning of a new LUM tradition.
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Rev. Susan Brouillette, Salute to Women Honoree
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Brouillette Celebrated as Immigration Advocate
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At a special dinner last Tuesday, the Rev.
Susan Brouillette
, the LUM Immigration Clinic founding director, was an honoree the 47th annual
Salute to Women
program. Susan was one of only 12 women honored this year. She is being recognized for being an "
i
mmigration advocate
" and for being "
instrumental in the development of Lafayette Urban Ministry’s Immigration Clinic.
"
Joe Micon, LUM executive director remarked that,
"
Most of the immigrants and asylum seekers who come to the LUM Immigration Clinic are in serious straights. Some are without family or friends. In Susan Brouillette, they have found an advocate who represents and defends them with skill and commitment. She is one of those rare and extraordinary individuals responsible for our community being such a diverse and welcoming place.
"
Join us in congratulating the Rev. Susan Brouillette for this well deserved recognition.
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{Pictured above with the Rev. Susan Brouillette are LUM staff & volunteers.}
To view more
PHOTOS from the event, click
HERE.
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