January 19 , 2007

NSU to Honor Frank Till and David H. Rush with President’s Community Award at Celebration of Excellence

FORT LAUDERDALE, FL. — Nova Southeastern University (NSU) will honor two community leaders whose combined service spans more than 60 years. David H. Rush and Frank Till, Jr., Ed.D., will each receive the university’s highest honor, the President’s Community Award, at the 10th annual Celebration of Excellence, 7:00 p.m., January 25.

NSU’s Celebration of Excellence is a premier event held at Davie’s Signature Grand. Each year, the awards presentation brings together community leaders and industry pioneers who have made significant contributions to their professions and communities. The Presidents Award is granted annually to individuals whose leadership and support provides the foundation for continued growth of the university. Last year’s honorees were Alvin Sherman and August Urbanek.

Rush, a member of NSU’s Board of Trustees, is an inventor, entrepreneur, community leader and philanthropist. He has been a pillar of the South Florida community for more than three decades. Having served as a pilot during World War II, Rush returned to civilian life with a commitment to serve the community. He created companies that made the first camera that took photographs in space and manufactured survival equipment for NASA astronauts and the US military. Rush has served as Director of the Advisory Council of the Florida Highway Patrol, as Chairman of the Florida High Speed Rail Commission, and in 1986, he served as a Delegate to the White House Conference on Small Business. He has been very active in the community and founded Crime Stoppers in Broward County. He is the recipient of numerous awards, including the Silver Medallion from the National Conference of Christians and Jews (1979); the Justice Award from the Citizens Crime Commission (1984); Business Leader of the Year (now known as the Excalibur Award) from the Sun-Sentinel (1979); and the Liberty Bell Award from the Broward County Law Association (1987).  

Till, who served as Superintendent of Schools, Broward County, worked in the educational field for more than 30 years. He worked his way up through the ranks and held numerous positions including teacher, assistant principal, principal, and deputy superintendent in San Diego City Schools.  He also taught at San Diego State University and the University of Southern California. He earned his bachelor's degree in mathematics/economics (1969) and a master's degree in curriculum and instruction (1973) from San Diego State University.  He earned his doctorate from the University of Southern California in 1980. Till presently serves on the Boards of Directors for Broward Alliance and National Conference for Community & Justice (NCCJ), United Way, Special Olympics, and NCSS. 

NSU will also present the 2006 Distinguished Alumni Awards to graduates of the university’s schools, colleges and centers. Honorees are:

Annette Bade, OD (1993)
College of Optometry

Dedric A. Carter, Ph.D. (2005)
Graduate School of Computer and Information Sciences

Laurie L. Charles, Ph.D. (1999)
Graduate School of Humanities and Social Sciences

Carly Crispino
Mailman Segal Institute

John E. DiBenedetto, DBA (1985)
H. Wayne Huizenga School of Business and Entrepreneurship

Robert Goldberg, DMD (2003)
College of Dental Medicine

Patrick Hawthorne, Pharm.D. (1993)
College of Pharmacy

Mandel Ilagan (1995)
University School

Brian A. Kahan, JD (2002)
Shepard Broad Law Center

Roseline H. Marston, MS (1995)
Oceanography Center

Kay Mikulas, MS (1977)
Fischler School of Education and Human Services

Charles M. Morin, Ph.D. (1986)
Center for Psychological Studies

Frederick A. Rahe, Au.D. (2000)
College of Allied Health and Nursing

Edwin G. Torres, BS (1988)
Farquhar College of Arts and Sciences

Ross D. Zafonte, DO (1985)
College of Osteopathic Medicine

For more information about the Celebration of Excellence, call 954-262-2102 or visit www.nova.edu.