Life-Changing Service

Ottawa University-Indiana held its first Annual Alumni and Friends Gala in November of 2007. At the event, the first Ottawa University Alumni Association (OUAA) awards for the Jeffersonville campus were presented. Shari Lawler '06 was the recipient of the Outstanding Achievement Award for her community involvement and leadership. In presenting the award, the OUAA Board of Directors for OU-Indiana wanted its first recipient to reflect the OU tradition of changing lives, and of alumni helping change the lives of others.

"It was such an honor and a very humbling experience," said Lawler, who prefers to avoid the spotlight. "As I prepared for the ceremony, I was overcome with gratitude, and it humbled me to think that Dr. Sonja Payne and Judge Vicki L. Carmichael thought enough of me to recommend me for the award. It means a lot."

Lawler helps change the lives of others through active community service. She is a board member for Communities in Schools of Clark County (CISCC) and participates in the 3,2,1 READ program. For one hour a week, Lawler reads with an elementary-aged student. The program also provides necessities for young scholars such as new coats, shoes, glasses, and other essential items. "It makes a child want to come to school," said Lawler. "It's hard to want to participate or learn if you don't have the bare necessities."

Proudly, Lawler points out that 95 percent of students that received academic assistance through a CISCC resource coordinator during the 2005-06 school year showed improved test scores or report cards.

Lawler also sits on the advisory board of 180 Degrees of Change, an alternative sentencing program for non-violent offenders where participants are given an opportunity to have their records expunged if they follow the program set out for them. In addition, she serves on the Usher Board and Women's Ministry at Gilt Edge Baptist Church in Jeffersonville. "My church and my Christian life are very important to me," said Lawler.

Lawler and her husband of 38 years, Greg, are the parents of three adult sons. The couple also has 10 grandchildren and Lawler says she works in the community to make sure things are better for them. "I wish I had had grandchildren before I had children," Lawler said with a gleam in her eye.

Education-wise, Lawler earned an associates degree from Indiana University in 2002 before graduating from OU with a BA in Human Resources. She balanced her schooling and community involvement while working in the human resources department of Idemitsu (formerly Apollo America), where she has been employed for the past 15 years. "I found Ottawa University to be a place where failure was not an option for me," said Lawler. "If you come to OU and apply yourself, you will not fail."

A lifelong learner, Lawler is currently working on a certificate in organizational leadership through Purdue University.