FOND DU LAC AREA ASSOCIATION OF COMMERCE
Building Community and Commerce

Alumni Award

Donald G. Jones Leadership Alumni Award

Leadership Alumni Award

James Thomas
2011 Recipient of the Donald G. Jones Leadership Alumni Award

 

The award was presented to James Thomas at the Leadership FDL Graduation on May 18, 2011, by AC Board Chairman Stephen Peterson.

This award recognizes the efforts of a Leadership alumnus for his or her efforts to the Fond du Lac area through volunteer service and leadership.

“While enrolled in the program I was able to learn about the community, become familiar with local government officials and interact with those who were instrumental making Fond du Lac run,” explained Thomas. “Furthermore, I became familiar with many of the non-profit groups in the area and realized the need for individuals to step up and serve.”

With this understanding, Thomas soon became an irreplaceable asset to the community and various volunteer organizations and committees. And although he would never seek recognition for his service, it is hard to ignore the remarkable impact that Thomas has had on the Fond du Lac community.

Thomas has served as a director and past board president of the UW-Fond du Lac Foundation, a director and treasurer of Lutheran Homes and Health Services, a director of the Fond du Lac Arts Council, a past director and chair of the Fond du Lac County Chapter of the American Red Cross, a past board member of the Fond du Lac Area Association of Commerce and a past chair of the Leadership Fond du Lac Steering Committee.

With an extensive record of volunteerism and service to the community James Thomas is without a doubt a deserving recipient of the Donald G. Jones Leadership Alumni Award.  When asked what advice he would give to the Leadership Class of 2011, Thomas answered with a simple yet powerful statement - “This is just the beginning.”

“When you complete the program is when you are truly called on to serve,” stated Thomas. “It is at this time that you need to stand up and get involved and the best way to do this is to begin showing up for things, volunteer and find your calling.”

“Remember, more often than not an organization in need will not find you. Rather you will find a need and become the solution,” Thomas said.


Former recipients of the Donald G. Jones Leadership Alumni Award are: Scott Wittchow, Action Reporter Media; Paul Osterholm, Marian University; the Rev. Mary Council-Austin; Jennifer Walters, Aurora Health Center; Lindee Kimball, Solutions Center; Jim Neumann, RB Royal, Inc.; Lisa Mader, National Exchange Bank & Trust; Kathy Strong-Twohig, Habitat for Humanity; and Carol Hyland, Consultants Laboratory of Wisconsin.