Waterloo native namesake for proposed Detroit cultural center
Source: Waterloo-Cedar Falls Courier
By: Pat Kinney
Published: Sunday, June 10, 2007 6:11 AM CDT
WATERLOO -- A new proposed cultural center in Detroit is being named for a Waterloo native who led local United Way efforts there for more than a decade.
The Arts League of Michigan has proposed a cultural arts center named for Waterloo native Virgil H. Carr who died in 2003. In 1993, Carr became the first African American chief executive officer of United Way Community Services of Detroit and served in that capacity until his death at age 63.
Carr also served as president and CEO of United Way of Chicago, and prior to that, as CEO of Detroit and Wayne County Community Family Services. Carr also had chaired the board of trustees of the Arts League of Michigan from 1997 until his death.
The center "will be recognized as the hub for African and African-American cultural arts," according to Arts League of Michigan promotional information for the project. The proposed 47,000 square foot center is envisioned as a "clubhouse" for the neighborhood in which it would be located.
Carr is being singled out for the recognition as a "trend setter" in the delivery of human services in his United Way work, and also because of his role in the arts, his affinity for young people and his belief in "the necessity of providing direction, encouragement and opportunity for youth," according to Arts League of Michigan information on the project.
Carr was a graduate of East High School and Iowa State University. He was part of a state championship wrestling team for the Trojans in the late 1950s and a two-time individual state champion. He achieved All-America status wrestling for the Cyclones at Iowa State in the early 1960s under Coach Harold Nichols. He also received a master's degree from Washington University in St. Louis.
In 1979, he was honored as metropolitan Detroit's Executive of the Year for his work in the nonprofit sector.
In 1993, ISU's College of Education honored him with its Alumni Achievement Award, the college's highest honor for outstanding leadership and service in education, health, business and industry.
The Virgil H. Carr Society, a leadership program within the United Way of Southeastern Michigan recognizing major contributions by African-American business people and community leaders, is named for him.
Carr also was a featured speaker at multiple Cedar Valley United Way functions during previous campaigns here.
More information about the Virgil H. Carr Cultural Arts Center, including how to donate, may be obtained by contacting Michigan Arts Council president Oliver Ragsdale Jr. at (313) 870-1680.
Contact Pat Kinney at (319) 291-1484 or Pat.Kinney@wcfcourier.com
By: Pat Kinney
Published: Sunday, June 10, 2007 6:11 AM CDT
WATERLOO -- A new proposed cultural center in Detroit is being named for a Waterloo native who led local United Way efforts there for more than a decade.
The Arts League of Michigan has proposed a cultural arts center named for Waterloo native Virgil H. Carr who died in 2003. In 1993, Carr became the first African American chief executive officer of United Way Community Services of Detroit and served in that capacity until his death at age 63.
Carr also served as president and CEO of United Way of Chicago, and prior to that, as CEO of Detroit and Wayne County Community Family Services. Carr also had chaired the board of trustees of the Arts League of Michigan from 1997 until his death.
The center "will be recognized as the hub for African and African-American cultural arts," according to Arts League of Michigan promotional information for the project. The proposed 47,000 square foot center is envisioned as a "clubhouse" for the neighborhood in which it would be located.
Carr is being singled out for the recognition as a "trend setter" in the delivery of human services in his United Way work, and also because of his role in the arts, his affinity for young people and his belief in "the necessity of providing direction, encouragement and opportunity for youth," according to Arts League of Michigan information on the project.
Carr was a graduate of East High School and Iowa State University. He was part of a state championship wrestling team for the Trojans in the late 1950s and a two-time individual state champion. He achieved All-America status wrestling for the Cyclones at Iowa State in the early 1960s under Coach Harold Nichols. He also received a master's degree from Washington University in St. Louis.
In 1979, he was honored as metropolitan Detroit's Executive of the Year for his work in the nonprofit sector.
In 1993, ISU's College of Education honored him with its Alumni Achievement Award, the college's highest honor for outstanding leadership and service in education, health, business and industry.
The Virgil H. Carr Society, a leadership program within the United Way of Southeastern Michigan recognizing major contributions by African-American business people and community leaders, is named for him.
Carr also was a featured speaker at multiple Cedar Valley United Way functions during previous campaigns here.
More information about the Virgil H. Carr Cultural Arts Center, including how to donate, may be obtained by contacting Michigan Arts Council president Oliver Ragsdale Jr. at (313) 870-1680.
Contact Pat Kinney at (319) 291-1484 or Pat.Kinney@wcfcourier.com
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