Teri L. Sullivan
WKNO Promotions Manager
(901) 729-8735
tlsullivan@wkno.org
December 9, 2010
For Immediate Release
WKNO ANNOUNCES JIM SPRINGFIELD RECIPIENT OF JULIAN BONDURANT DISTINGUISHED SERVICE AWARD
WKNO Public Broadcasting announced that the Julian Bondurant Distinguished Service Award has been given to long-time WKNO supporter Jim Springfield, who played an important role in the recent Capital Campaign that led to the station’s transition to digital broadcasting and the debt-free construction of the Digital Media Center.
Springfield began his relationship with WKNO in 1983 as a volunteer with the Action Auction while working at Union Planters Bank. In that capacity, he assisted with Gold Chip solicitation, sponsorships and the donation of Saturn automobiles for the Auction. He served as Auction Co-Chair with Sue Berry in 1992. He then served on the WKNO Board of Trustees from 1985-1987 and again from 1998-2007 and was Secretary for several years during his second period of time.
The award was presented at the December WKNO Board meeting. “Needless to say, I’m overwhelmed,” said Springfield. “This has been a wonderful journey and a labor of love. I’m grateful for WKNO. I believe in WKNO, and if there is anything I can do for WKNO, I want to do it.”
“If I were to create a profile of an ideal trustee, it would be Jim,” said Michael J. LaBonia, President and CEO of WKNO. “His long-term support of the station beginning with his hands-on involvement as a volunteer reminds us of the impact of individuals to the success of the station.”
“Jim Springfield personifies the WKNO spirit,” said Dr. Craig Esrael, Chair of the WKNO Board and President & CEO of First South Financial Credit Union. “On behalf of the WKNO Board of Trustees, I would like to thank Jim for his tireless work and dedication; he has made a tangible difference and he serves as a role model for so many of us.”
Springfield is a retired Executive Vice President, General Counsel & Secretary of Union Planters Corporation and Union Planters National Bank. He is a member of the President’s Council and the Planned Giving Council of Rhodes. He also served as International Chair of Rhodes Annual Fund in 1996. He splits his time between Collierville, TN and Destin, FL.
The Julian Bondurant Distinguished Service Award is an award established by WKNO in 2009 to recognize outstanding support of public broadcasting for the Mid-South. It was named in honor of WKNO’s founder, who, working with the Junior League of Memphis, raised the funding that allowed Channel 10 to begin broadcasting on June 25, 1956. He was WKNO’s founding board chairman and a great friend for many years to the station. The premier Award was given to WKNO Capital Campaign Chair Stephen H. Rhea in November, 2009.
WKNO is a non-profit, private foundation serving the Mid-South for more than 50 years.
An important community resource, WKNO uses the power of non-commercial public broadcasting to provide the Mid-South with quality educational and cultural programs that inform, entertain, and inspire.
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