University of Redlands Town & Gown Announces Honorees for Awards of Distinction

The University of Redlands Town & Gown annually honors individuals throughout the Inland Empire who have shown a commitment to the public good through volunteerism, community involvement or outstanding achievement in their field. The awards committee recently selected and now announces those who will be honored with a 2016 Award of Distinction at a gala event March 5, 2016: •Nathan Gonzales, archivist and head of special collections at A.K. Smiley Public Library. Those nominating Nathan say he “is truly a citizen and not just a resident of Redlands.” He is recognized for using his expertise in history and archives to serve many local causes, through organizations such as Town & Gown, the Rotary Club, Redlands Historical Museum, Kimberly Shirk Association and the Redlands Area Historical Society. •Jeff and Susan Martinez, University of Redlands’ dynamic duo. Jeff and Susan are characterized by their nominators as "consummate team players with incredibly giving hearts." They are admired for years of dedication in professional service to the University of Redlands and for involvement in many local ventures, including the Rotary Club, Associates of the Redlands Bowl, Valley Preparatory School, the NCAA DIII Management Council and as co-chairs of “Host Town Redlands” for the 2015 Special Olympic Games. •Marilyn Kerr Solter, retired social worker and dedicated volunteer. Marilyn is known as a selfless community servant, whose nominators say, "works her tail off, gets her hands dirty and fully commits." She has served on the boards of the Redlands Symphony, the Redlands Historical Museum and the University of Redlands Alumni Association. She is a volunteer for many agencies, including the Redlands Family Service Association, and she established the John W. Solter Endowed Scholarship for speech therapy students at the U of R. •Steven Wilson, family practice physician, In Your Best Interest Medical Clinic. Steven is described by his nominators as “a tremendous role model, living publicly the life he encourages the community and his patients to live.” He is recognized for his professional contributions and service to the community, as one who is devoted to promoting fitness and wellness in the Redlands area by establishing the Ride Yourself Fit, Walk Yourself Fit and Eat Yourself Fit health and wellness programs. The University Town & Gown invites the community to celebrate and honor these individuals at a gala event, "Making a World of Difference" to be held at the Orton Center, March 5, 2016. Online registration is currently open at http://www.redlands.edu/awardsofdistinction. For more information, call 909-748-8011.