Thank you to everyone who attended and sponsored the 2023 Walter and Leah Rand Awards and Scholarship Dinner. It was a great success! Check back here in fall 2023 for information about the 22nd annual event – to take place in 2024!
Founded in 2000 under the leadership of Dr. Richard Harris, Senator Walter Rand Institute for Public Affairs (WRI) was organized to honor Senator Rand’s legacy of public service to southern New Jersey and his hometown of Camden. Senator Rand and his wife Leah shared a passion for public service and supporting programs for youth. Together, they dedicated their time, talents and treasure toward helping South Jersey’s children and communities thrive. Each year, their work lives on through the Walter & Leah Rand Awards and Scholarship Dinner, which provides support for the mission of WRI and gives students opportunities to engage in real-world public affairs while serving the region’s residents.
During the event, three extraordinary “South Jerseyans” are recognized. The “South Jerseyan” of the Year awards are given annually to recognize the contributions of outstanding individuals in the public, private, and nonprofit sectors working to improve lives and strengthen local communities. The full listing of past recipients can be found here. Proceeds from this event support WRI’s mission and fund student research assistants engaged in projects throughout South Jersey.
Thank you to our 2023 Event Sponsors!
Latest news
The 19th Annual Walter & Leah Rand Awards and Scholarship Dinner was held virtually on October 1, 2020.
A virtual celebration of outstanding “South Jerseyans”
Freeman, Twomey and Collins Named South Jerseyans of the Year
Celebrating South Jersey’s Leading Citizens