Western Piedmont Community College Trustee Bruce Hawkins was awarded with The Order of the Long Leaf Pine on Tuesday, June 4th.
Since 1963, North Carolina’s governors have reserved their highest honor, The Order of the Long Leaf Pine award, for persons who have made significant contributions to the state and their communities through their exemplary service and exceptional accomplishments. Nominations are made for retiring individuals who have 30 or more years of service in the State of North Carolina.
Hawkins has served on serval boards in the community, including the Burke County Hospice Board of Directors, Burke County Board of Social Services, Valdese Jaycees, Burke County United Way Board of Directors, Burke County Board of Commissioners (served as Chair and Vice Chair), Mental Health Partners Board of Directors, Burke County Tourism Board of Directors, and Burke County School Board (served as Chair and Vice Chair). He was recognized in 1987 as Citizen of the Year by the Burke County Branch of the NAACP, and he was voted Best County Elected Official in 2011-2012 by the Morganton News Herald. He retired in 2000 from Broughton Hospital in Morganton, NC with 33 1/2 years of service as a Licensed Clinical Social Worker.
“Bruce has influenced WPCC in a positive manner for many years, through his leadership on the Burke County School Board, Burke County Commission and as a member and chair of the WPCC Board of Trustees,” President Dr. Joel Welch said. “Bruce has always operated with integrity and made decisions on what was best for the students and community that our college serves. His balance, thoughtfulness and leadership will be missed.”
Hawkins was also recognized for his dedicated service of 10 years to the WPCC Board of Trustees and has chosen to not seek reappointment.
“I chose not to request to be reappointed to the board. I knew it was my time and time to step back,” Hawkins said. “I appreciate everyone coming to this great occasion for me and being part of me receiving this special recognition.”
Bruce and his wife, Judith Connelly Hawkins, live in Valdese. They have two children, five grandchildren, and four great-grandchildren.