On June 14, in the Don Taft University Center, The Current, the student-run newspaper of NSU, was awarded “Media Organization of the Year” at the Special Olympics Broward County’s 2012 Awards dinner. Throughout 2011, The Current featured several articles highlighting events involving NSU and Special Olympics Broward County, including NSU athletes volunteering at the Special Olympics county basketball tournament in January.
Other award recipients at the event included: Gale Butler and Richard W. Meli, MD, honorary board members of the year; Meredith Adams, youth volunteer of the year; Joseph Brill, coach of the year; NSU, local organization of the year; Lykes Family, family of the year; Susan Brill, volunteer of the year; and Jennifer Brill, athlete of the year. Kathleen Hanks received The Timothy Gillette Law Enforcement Torch Run Recipient award, Kerri Lynn Leonardo received The Ivy McMahon Inspirational Athlete Leadership award, and Paul Sallarulo, Special Olympics Broward County chairperson, was inducted into the Hall of Fame. Special Olympics Broward County, whose main office is located on NSU’s campus, provides sports training and Olympic-style competition to almost 600 athletes with intellectual disabilities in 22 sports.