Kerr receives Milhouse Award

Oklahoma City University recently presented to Lou Kerr its 2013 Bishop Paul W. Milhouse Award.

She was honored at the Board of Trustees meeting Jan. 22.

The Milhouse Award recognizes people who demonstrate outstanding leadership in the community, local church, and Conference, in addition to being an advocate for the partnership between OCU and the Church.

In presenting the award, Vice-President of University-Church Relations Margaret A. Ball noted that Kerr has been active at all levels of the Church over the course of her life. She is a faithful member of OKC-Nichols Hills UMC, where she has been in the forefront of organizing fund-raising campaigns for both programs and facilities. Most recently, she has been key in the effort to complete renovation of the church’s physical plant and to create new, inviting spaces for worship and ministry programs.

Kerr also has given her time and talent at the general church level, as board chairperson of the United Methodist Higher Education Foundation, which provides significant scholarships for UM students.

Kerr’s service to the broader community is extensive. To list only a few: the Board of Lyric Theatre, Red Earth Inc., Oklahoma City Public Schools Foundation, and chairing the Oklahoma Centennial Commission.

She is a faithful OCU trustee. She has been inducted into the OCU Commerce and Industry Hall of Honor and the Societies of Oklahoma City University. She has provided generous financial support for students and programs. Kerr serves on the campaign committee to fund relocation of OCU’s law school to downtown Oklahoma City.

The University-Church Relations Office welcomes nominations for this annual award, established in 1982.

Lou Kerr, right, accepts the Milhouse Award as Maggie Ball looks on.