Dismas honors Alexander Heard
Dismas, Inc., a Nashville-based non-profit agency, has chosen Vanderbilt
University Chancellor Emeritus Alexander Heard as recipient of the 1996
Good Thief Award.
State Rep. Bill Purcell (D-Nashville), honorary chairman of Dismas' Ninth
Annual Father Jack Hickey Clamboil Picnic, will present the award during
the May 5 event on the Father Ryan High School campus.
"We are proud to recognize Chancellor Heard for his leadership and
his support of creative initiatives like Dismas House and the Student Health
Coalition while he was chancellor of Vanderbilt," said Terry Hogan,
executive director of Dismas, Inc. "It was under Chancellor Heard's
administration that the Dismas concept became a reality. Like Dismas founder
Jack Hickey, Chancellor Heard inspired faculty, staff, students and alumni
to put their education into practice by bringing the University and its
resources to the larger community.
Dismas traces its roots to Volunteers in Service (VIS), a program that began
in the Office of University Chaplain and Affiliated Ministries with the
support of Chancellor Heard and University Chaplain Beverly Asbury. Part
of the VIS focus was in the prisons. That focus led to the formation of
the Vanderbilt Prison Project, the student catalyst of Dismas House.
The Good Thief Award is presented to organizations or individuals who have
made a significant impact as members of the Dismas family. Named for the
repentant thief who was crucified at Calvary, the award is a reminder of
Dismas' mission of reconciliation and of the inherent dignity of each person.
The Good Thief Award was initiated in 1995 and is given annually to those
who have helped the agency grow as it strives to meet its mission. Last
year's recipient was Aquinas College of the Dominican Campus.
Dismas was started in 1974 by Hickey, then a denominational chaplain on
the Vanderbilt campus, and several students involved with the Vanderbilt
Prison Project. True to the original model, each of the 10 Dismas Houses
across the country integrates former prisoners with college students and
volunteers to promote a successful transition back into the community. In
fact, Dismas posts a success rate of nearly 75 percent.
The Clamboil, the major Nashville area fundraiser for Dismas, Inc., is a
family-style picnic complete with lobsters, clam chowder, grilled fish,
steak and corn on the cob with hot dogs and burgers for the children. The
event, which runs from 3 to 6 p.m., features live music, a silent auction
and children's activities. Tickets can be purchased by calling 353-0646.
Adult tickets are $40; children will be admitted at no charge.
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Document last updated Jan. 10, 1997