Rollie Ledebuhr’s family knew.
His friends knew.
His colleagues knew.
But when the 48-year city resident realized he was the only one who didn’t know he was being honored at Monday’s 14th annual East Lansing Crystal Awards, he began to cry.
“I’ve always felt happy because the community accepted me when I was just a darn old dairy farmer,” he said, barely able to hold onto his engraved crystal bowl. “I’ve had people ask me when I’m going to retire - I feel like I’m on vacation every day.”
After volunteering with the East Lansing Seniors’ Program, being an active member of the People’s Church, a member of the Lions Service Club and driving other senior citizens to doctor’s appointments despite his own health problems, Ledebuhr was one of three winners of the awards given Monday night.
The student body of the MSU College of Osteopathic Medicine and 37-year resident Lola O’Meara also received crystal bowls.
Out of 64 nominees - the highest number ever received by the city - a 10-person selection committee chose the top three volunteers who have improved the quality of life in East Lansing the most. More than 400 invitations were sent out to other nominees and community members.
“We tend to think of East Lansing as such a small town and everyone knows what’s going on, but you never hear about some of the quieter things that are just wonderful,” Selection Committee Chairman Ann Hayes said. “We were completely blown away. In the end, we all came to the same consensus.”
Hayes said the awards are unique because the winners don’t know they have earned the prize until their name is announced at the ceremony.
After a month-long research period when nominators come to the selection committee with a presentation, 10 finalists were selected.
“I was so surprised, but so thrilled it was me,” said O’Meara, who was honored for her continued support of education and volunteering in the city. “I come every year because it’s usually someone I know who’s won.
“I have to find a very special place in my house to put it.”
The third crystal also will have a special place on MSU’s campus.
Since the entire student body of the College of Osteopathic Medicine was honored, all 550 students in the college will share the award for work with public health advice and help.
“It’s really a group award,” said Al Jacobs, dean of the College of Osteopathic Medicine. “We always remind them that they’re students first, but that doesn’t matter. The things that they do are endless.”
Karen Nielsen, a second-year osteopathic medical student, said the four students who were there to accept the award were shocked by the honor even though they already knew they had been selected as finalists.
“My eloquence goes out the window,” she said. “It’s so cool. Every one of us just grabbed hands.
“When I was applying to medical schools, it was the only one I wanted to get. Anything else would have been secondary. I threw all the others away and kept MSU.”
