NEWS RELEASE – February 1, 2010
For Immediate Release
Contact: Tilla Fearn 919.513.4644 or tilla_fearn@ncsu.edu
The NC State University Department of Parks, Recreation and Tourism Management (PRTM) is honored and proud to present its Outstanding Alumnus Award for 2009 to Neal Lewis of Wilmington, N.C. Director of the New Hanover County Parks Department, Lewis was selected for his personal accomplishments and his contributions to his professional and his community. Lewis accepted his award at the NC Recreation and Park Association Conference in Winston-Salem, North Carolina.
Lewis’s successes of particular note include a notable career as a park and recreation professional, stewardship of the environment, active contributions to his community, and mentoring of young professionals. He is a respected colleague and ambassador both for the profession and for NC State University’s Department of Parks, Recreation and Tourism Management.
Lewis graduated from NC State in 1973 and began his career as Director of Carteret County Parks and Recreation Department. He then served as the Executive Director of Carteret County Chamber of Commerce until 1991. In 1993, Lewis assumed his current position with the New Hanover County Parks Department where he has provided exemplary service to the county and its citizens. For decades, Lewis has been a leader in his profession; earning the respect of professionals across the state and serving as a valuable resource with the Legislative Study Committee on Water Access, NC Waterfront Access and Marine Fund Advisory Committee, Rachel Carson NC Estuarine Reserve Advisory Committee, Fort Fisher State Park Advisory Board, Wilmington Sports Hall of Fame, Travel Council of North Carolina, and Wilmington South Rotary Club.
In addition to his leadership in his community, Lewis has served as President of the North Carolina Recreation and Park Association and has received that organization’s highest awards. While serving as the Executive Director of the Carteret County Chamber of Commerce, Lewis received the 1990 NC Chamber of Commerce Executive of the Year Award.
About the Award
The PRTM Outstanding Alumnus Award has been awarded annually since 1994 and recognizes a practicing professional who holds a degree from the Department of Parks, Recreation & Tourism Management at NC State University. The recipient must have made recognized contributions to the advancement of the parks, recreation, tourism, sport or golf profession on a local, state or national level and who has demonstrated notable service to his or her community.
About PRTM
NC State’s Department of Parks, Recreation and Tourism Management (PRTM) specializes in preparing the next generation of planning and management professionals for the fields of parks, recreation, tourism, golf and recreational sports. We teach skills that are applicable across a wide range of environments. PRTM is a national leader in research and extension activities – dedicated to finding real solutions for real problems and transferring that knowledge to help communities and people thrive.