Redlands 2015 Awards of Distinction Announced

The University of Redlands Town & Gown group has announced this year’s Awards of Distinction winners: Jan Hudson, Tony Mueller, Beth Mersereau Sanders, Maureen Sanders, Lynn Whitmer, and a trio — Cathy Hales Stockton, Nancy Varner and Annie Selles, who will be recognized at a gala on Feb. 7. Criteria for selection are Inland Empire residence, commitment to the public good through volunteerism, and community involvement or outstanding achievement in their field. According to the Town and Gown group, Hudson is a real estate broker, agent and business owner and is recognized for her work with the Redlands Community Music Association, Associates of the Redlands Bowl and Rotary Club of Redlands. Mueller is director of community service learning at the University of Redlands. He has contributed to, created and managed programs including Big and Middle Buddies, Spring Break Plunge and the Sustainability University of Redlands Farm, according to the Town and Gown group. Beth Mersereau Sanders is vice president at Security Bank, Redlands. “Beth is known locally as a selfless community servant, according to nominators who said she ‘works her tail off, gets her hands dirty and fully commits,’” said the Town and Gown group in a release. “Beth has served Redlands Sunrise Rotary, specifically the Crab N’ Jazz event, Family Service Association, Redlands Community Foundation, Citrograph Foundation and the Believe Walk.” There were six individuals who nominated Sanders. Maureen Sanders is a clinical trial coordinator with Clinipace Worldwide. She has served as University Town & Gown president and on the board, as an associate of the Redlands Bowl, Bonnes Meres Auxiliary, Family Service Association of Redlands and other organizations. Lynn Whitmer is a real estate agent with Century 21 Lois Lauer Realty. She has served on the board of Redlands Day Nursery, volunteered in the Mariposa Elementary PTA, and been involved with the Assistance League of Redlands, Chapter PK of the P.E.O. Sisterhood, Redlands Educational Partnership Foundation and Redlands Community Hospital Foundation. The trio, Cathy Hales Stockton, Nancy Varner and Annie Selles, are the founders of the Believe Walk, an event to raise money for cancer treatment for people in the Inland Empire. Since the Walk’s inception, more than $2 million has been donated to cancer centers and support services. All three women, who are cancer survivors themselves, continue to raise awareness and money while growing the event. The University Town & Gown invites the community to celebrate and honor these individuals at a gala event, “Redlands Best” to be held at the Orton Center. Online registration will be open in Jan. For more information, call 909-748-8011.