Jim Egan Award honors Bartlesville couple
By Kristin E. Van Nort The Foundation is honored to present the 2010 Jim Egan Legacy Award to longtime supporters Glenn and Veronica "Ronnie" Cox of Bartlesville. On May 31, the Coxes received the award in Boston Avenue United Methodist Church, as Oklahoma Annual Conference delegates rose in a standing ovation for the couple’s service and generosity to The United Methodist Church. Bishop Robert Hayes Jr. and Rev. Dr. Robert Long, vice chairman of the Foundation’s Board of Trustees, presented the award. The Jim Egan Legacy Award recognizes persons who model Christian stewardship and philanthropy. An incorporator of the Foundation, Egan exemplified stewardship and dedicated his life to United Methodism. Glenn and Ronnie are members of Bartlesville-First UMC and literally joined that church three times in the span of their long membership there. Glenn worked for Phillips Petroleum, and his career involved relocating the family many times. But they always returned to Bartlesville—and First Church. Family, friends, church, and community are among the things Glenn and Ronnie value most. These priorities can be seen in where they serve and share their resources. They are an example of Christian love and generosity to all they meet. Glenn and Ronnie have served on their church’s board of trustees, staff-parish relations committee, and in the children’s area building campaign, plus many other committees. Glenn has shared his expertise on the Oklahoma United Methodist Foundation’s investment committee for more than 20 years, and he chaired the Foundation’s board for five years. He also has been involved in numerous civic efforts, including the OK Mozart Festival, the Bartlesville Community Foundation, and Boy Scouts. Ronnie is active in the community through Girl Scouts, the Symphony Society, and many service leagues. "We feel it a responsibility to contribute to the community in different ways, to take into account needs that are community-wide. We want the community to benefit and become an attractive place to live," said Ronnie. The Coxes also choose to support organizations that help people who face difficulties, such as the Salvation Army and United Way. "We want to give back since we didn’t start out with much," said Ronnie. "If you are comfortable and healthy enough to serve in some way, you should." Additionally, Glenn and Ronnie support a place that made a significant impact on Glenn’s life: Central Methodist University, Fayette, Mo. Glenn attended Central Methodist for his first two years of college and is a longtime member of its board of trustees. "Many students who attend Central Methodist are the first in their families to attend college, like I was," said Glenn. He attributes his strong values to a great upbringing in a supportive family that always valued church involvement. Married for 57 years, Glenn and Ronnie have three children: Martin, Grant, and Cecelia, and five grandchildren. |
