Date:
March 26, 2010

Contact:
Joe Stinebaker
Communications Director
O) 713-755-4027
C) 713-503-2610
Joe.Stinebaker@cjo.hctx.net


NEWS RELEASE

JUDGE EMMETT TO RECEIVE
‘DISTINGUISHED PUBLIC SERVICE’ AWARD
FROM U.T.’S LBJ SCHOOL OF PUBLIC AFFAIRS
Presentation of Award Part of Weekend’s Three-Day Celebration
Marking Arrival of New Dean and Opening of New Building

Harris County Judge Ed Emmett will be at the University of Texas at Austin this afternoon to receive the LBJ School of Public Affairs’ Distinguished Public Service Award, an honor given annually to a graduate of the school “whose career and public service record best represents the values on which the school was founded.”

Emmett, who received his Master’s degree in Public Affairs from the school in 1974, will receive the award this evening as part of the school’s three-day “Homecoming Celebration,” which also featured the dedication of the school’s new building, a Hispanic Leadership Summit, and a reception marking the arrival of the school’s new dean, Robert Hutchings.

According to the school, recipients of the Distinguished Public Service Award are expected to have made significant contributions to public policy; promoted the advancement of the public affairs vocation; been engaged in community service and volunteerism; shown commitment to the LBJ School and its mission; and demonstrated leadership and the ability to work with diverse people.

Emmett said today that the award is especially meaningful to him because it recognizes that he has upheld the ideals taught to him at the school.

“I still believe strongly what I was taught during my years at the LBJ School - that public service is among the most important, rewarding and noble careers one could choose,” Emmett said. “I used the lessons learned at UT every day, whether in the state House of Representatives, the federal Interstate Commerce Commission or as county judge of the state’s largest county. I am truly grateful to the selection committee for having chosen me.”

The presentation of the award will take place at 5:30 p.m. today at the school’s Lady Bird Johnson Auditorium and will be streamed live on the Web at http://www.utexas.edu/lbj/videos.