President honored as Hometown Hero by Red Cross

President Joan Develin Coley was honored March 19 as one of central Maryland’s Hometown Heroes. These annual awards recognize those who have displayed extraordinary acts of bravery, courage, kindness and community service. Coley received the Women’s Leadership Award.

"President Coley is an extraordinary leader and exemplifies how a liberal arts education can both prepare and empower one for a life of service and leadership," said the Red Cross in a release.

Among the honorees are individuals, corporations and government agencies including:
Baltimore City Police Department — Law Enforcement Award; W.R. Grace — Corporate Citizen Award; American Red Cross Holocaust and War Victims Tracing Center Volunteers — Life Achievement Award; and Timothy Poole — Fire Fighter Award.

Keynote speaker was Matt Eversmann, whose story is featured in the book and film, “Blackhawk Down.”

President Coley receives Hometown Hero award from Chris Ruppert, BB&T, one of the event sponsors. Photo by American Red Cross of Central Maryland/Roger Ford.