Shirley Agnos Legacy Foundation

Shirley Agnos, President Emerita of Arizona Town Hall, was honored at a tribute dinner on June 8, 2007, for 46 years of service to Arizona Town Hall. She retired effective July 1.

In recognition for her years of dedication and service, the board of directors established the Shirley Agnos Legacy Foundation to provide resources for the Town Hall's ongoing work. This permanent special fund will support endowed funding for education and research activities, the President's position, and capital expenses.

Tara Jackson, who succeeded Shirley as president, said, "Under Shirley's leadership, the Town Hall has facilitated consensus and served as a catalyst for major changes in laws, policies, actions and programs in Arizona. Her impact will continue throughout our state for many years to come."

Tax deductible donations to the Shirley Agnos Legacy Foundation may be sent directly to the Arizona Town Hall offices at 111 West Monroe, Suite 1216, Phoenix, Arizona 85003.

We gratefully acknowledge those that have made contributions to the Legacy Foundation.

During the tribute dinner on June 8, remarks were provided by Governor Janet Napolitano, U.S. Senator John Kyl, U.S. Rep. John Shadegg, U.S. Secretary of Transportation Mary Peters, Arizona Supreme Court Chief Justice Ruth McGregor, and Northern Arizona University President John Haeger. Michael Grant, former host of Channel 8's Horizon show, served as emcee for the event.

Among the many accolades and honors bestowed upon Shirley was the announcement of the annual Arizona Town Hall Shirley Agnos Lecture Series. On Thursday, September 20, 2007 the first lecture will be held at 3:00 p.m. in the auditorium at The University of Arizona College of Medicine-Phoenix. The featured speaker will be Edward H. (Ted) Shortliffe, MD, PhD, dean of The University of Arizona College of Medicine-Phoenix. This lecture series is a joint sponsorship of The University of Arizona, Arizona State University and Northern Arizona University that will feature speakers on areas addressed at Arizona Town Halls.

Additionally, the Arizona Town Hall board of directors presented the first "Shirley Agnos Legacy Award" to one caring and impactful individual, company or organization who has positively impacted the State of Arizona. And it keeping with the tradition, the first award was given to Shirley Agnos.

This award shall be given annually based on the following criteria.

• a long and dedicated record of working to improve our state and the
  lives of our citizens;
• a proven record of creating consensus positions from differing
  points of view;
• an active advocate on behalf of statewide issues;
• highly respected and of the highest integrity.

Shirley was awarded an honorary doctorate by Northern Arizona University this spring. Her many civic contributions include 35 years of service to Tumbleweed Center for Youth Development in Phoenix, which honored her with its Inaugural Community Service Award in 2006. In 2002, she was named "Woman of the Year" by Valley Leadership and in 2005 was honored by the Phoenix Business Journal as one of Arizona's 25 "Leaders and Legends" over the past 25 years.