Luther and Ruth Barnhardt with Chancellor Ponder

UNC Asheville honored longtime supporters
and Asheville residents Ruth W. and Luther E. Barnhardt Jr. Tuesday evening with the Chancellor’s Medallion, the University’s
highest non-academic distinction. The
medallion is given at the discretion of the chancellor to pay homage to individuals who demonstrate the highest commitment to community service, public leadership, and enhancement of the University.

“Ruth and Luther Barnhardt are sterling examples of a deep and abiding care for institutions that, in their judgment, will secure
a just and caring future,” said UNC Asheville Chancellor Anne Ponder at the awards dinner. “Leading with their own time, talent and resources, Ruth and Luther have never hesitated to share the absolute joy of giving from the heart.”

Over the years, the couple has given generously to the University, ranging from an endowed scholarship and advocacy for the North Carolina Center for Creative Retirement to supporting the Bulldog Club and TheatreUNCA. In addition, Luther has acted as director of the UNC Asheville Foundation Inc. and is a current member of the Board of Trustees.

The couple’s appreciation of higher education and commitment to UNC Asheville was evident in their acceptance speech.

“We feel that UNC Asheville is dedicated to providing the academic, cognitive aspects of a liberal arts education that are relevant to the 21st century,” Luther said. “Just as important, UNC Asheville is dedicated to providing the co-curricular, affective environment that is so vital to the personal growth and development of leaders who are sensitive to the great social challenges of our time.”

Ray West

Esteve Coll-Larrosa

Dr. M. David Cogburn

Michael Taylor

Dr. Maas' wife Cori accepted his award

Also on Tuesday, Chancellor Ponder and UNC Asheville National Alumni Council Chair Audrey Mosley (Class of 1974) presented the University’s annual Distinguished Alumni Awards.

The Roy A. Taylor Distinguished Alumnus Award was presented to Ray F. West (Class of 1972) for his significant humanitarian work in the struggling Republic of Moldova. In 1997, Captain West’s Naval Reserve unit was charged with large-scale humanitarian work in Moldova. When he returned to North Carolina, West was inspired to continue the rebuilding efforts. He founded the Moldova World Children’s Fund in Hendersonville, which has been a driving force in constructing orphanages, renovating schools and providing scholarships.

The Francine M. Delany Award for Service to the Community was presented to Esteve Coll-Larrosa (Class of 2000) for dedication to educating and supporting the Spanish-speaking communities of Buncombe, Henderson, Jackson and Macon counties. An employee of United Services Credit Union, Coll-Larrosa volunteers to teach Latino residents about their financial rights. He travels widely across Western North Carolina, providing free financial instructional program on topics ranging from the importance of opening a bank account to building a good credit report.

Dr. M. David Cogburn was presented the Thomas D. Reynolds Award for Service to the University. A 1977 graduate with distinction in biology, Dr. Cogburn founded Carolina Mountain Dermatology in south Asheville. A longtime University supporter, Dr. Cogburn has served as director, associate chair and currently as chair of the UNC Asheville Foundation Inc. He was instrumental in establishing the S. Dexter Squibb Lectureship in Chemistry and, along with his wife, as the Gay and David Cogburn Scholarship in the Art Department.

Michael Taylor (Class of 1997) was awarded the Order of Pisgah for outstanding achievement in his professional field. Taylor was the co-creator of the critically acclaimed MTV sock-puppet program, “The Sifl and Olly Show.” He has also worked as a producer/director for CMT and as a writer on several short films. Recently, Taylor launched a new career in architecture with Delta Design and Development in Nashville, Tenn.

In addition, the University presented the Distinguished Faculty Award posthumously to Environmental Studies Professor Richard P. Maas. He died last December, following a brief illness. Maas, who joined the faculty in 1987, was a visionary scientist, inspirational teacher and one of the country’s leading water quality researchers. Maas was a founder and co-director of UNC Asheville’s Environmental Quality Institute, which serves as a national center for environmental research. Maas was also active in the community. He helped found the Volunteer Water Information Network and the Clean Air Community Trust, and served on numerous local boards.