Salisbury Resident Jerry Shelby Presented with Limestone College's Service to Community Award

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Jerry Shelby; Winner of Limestone College's 2011 Service to Community Award

GAFFNEY, SC (04/19/2011)(readMedia)-- During Limestone College's Alumni Weekend (April 15-17), Salisbury, NC resident Jerry Shelby [28146] was presented with the school's Service to Community Award.

The Service to Community Award is presented annually to the Limestone alumnus who exhibits the ideals of civic responsibilities. Shelby, a member of Limestone's Class of 1987, is the embodiment of those ideals.

"If there's any truth to the saying 'It's not what we are but what we do and for what we do we shall be remembered,' Jerry Shelby will be remembered for generations to come," said Limestone President Walt Griffin.

Shelby has always had a heart for helping others, and has served as President or Chairman of practically every civic organization he has served. In his native city of Van Wert, Ohio, the list of organizations he served included the Jaycees, Chamber of Commerce, Parent Teacher Association, United Way, Junior Achievement, the YMCA, and the Cub Scouts. In 1969, Shelby was awarded the Outstanding Young Community Leader Award for the State of Ohio.

Shelby eventually moved to Salisbury, NC where his philanthropic endeavors escalated. In 2009, he was recognized by the Tar Hill State with the North Carolina Senior Citizen of the Year's Ernest B. Messer Award.

For the elderly in North Carolina, Shelby has established a reputation as the "go-to-guy" for getting things done. Actively involved in the Association for the Advancement of Retired Persons (AARP), he has submitted numerous resolutions to the North Carolina Legislature advocating legislation for victims' help, judicial reform, help for the disabled, the disadvantaged, and the underserved.

Initiatives taken by Shelby are not exclusive to the elderly, as time and again he has shown an open heart to help anyone in need. Here are but a few examples:

• The Internal Revenue Service sought Shelby's assistance in locating the poor who qualified for the Government Stimulus program but had not filled out an income tax return. He worked with Senior and Social Services to enlist volunteers-including himself-for a sight at the local library to help them fill out the necessary forms.

• When the City of Salisbury wanted to increase the city bus fare by $1, Shelby made it known to city officials that the $1 hike represented a huge road block for individuals on strict incomes. After his urgings, the rates were not increased.

• He saw a need for swings and benches for children and their parents in a local park, and refused to give up the effort until the City of Salisbury funded the project.

• He initiated a chapter Web-Aide project in Salisbury to assist seniors who had no Internet access.

When others see the passion Shelby exhibits in helping others and wish they could be like him, he typically responds with, "All you need is a voice. No heavy lifting is required. Use your voice to speak up."

Limestone College is a four-year, liberal arts institution with its main campus in Gaffney, SC. The college is also a pioneer in the medium of Internet-based courses. Established in 1845, Limestone offers bachelor of arts, bachelor of science, bachelor of social work, associate of arts, and associate of science degrees through traditional and non-traditional educational opportunities. For more information, log onto www.limestone.edu.