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In recognition of their valuable work for the advancement of arts and culture at the University of Maine, Sandra and Ted Leonard will be honored with the Vincent A. Hartgen Award during a recognition dinner and celebration on Saturday, April 27, on campus at the Wells Conference Center.
Through the effort of both the univerity and the city council of Bangor, the Leonards have been involved in a multi-collaborative effort that promotes cultural revival. Although managing their supporting roles in projects such as their most recent one, relocating UMaine’s Museum of Art to downtown Bangor, the Leonards have, in addition, taken on leadership roles in promoting arts and culture.
“The Leonards have played key roles in the development and support of Friends of the Museum of Art as well as support of art exhibitions,” said Wally Mason, director of the UMaine Museum of Art. “They have provided exemplary leadership in the Museum of Art campaign … It’s staggering the amount of time they spend giving to other people and institutions.”
Created in honor of Vincent A. Hartgen as it was first given to him in 1999, it has since been a prestigious recognition given to those individuals whose contributions to the arts cannot go unnoticed. Now retired, Hartgen is the artist and UMaine professor who began UMaine’s Art Department and from there set up the first art education program for UMaine student teachers.
“The Hartgen Award honors people whose efforts are beyond the normal call of duty,” said Leonard Mensch, the chair of the Patrons of the Arts.
Imbedded in the Leonards is a deep sense of civic pride and duty.
“[They] are willing to put the effort into doing what they believe in,” Mensch said.
As humble as can be, the Leonards cite the award as a true testimony to the hard work of a countless number of others.
“Each of these projects builds on the ones that proceed it, and that involves a lot of effort from a lot of people,” Ted Leonard said.
“A lot of people have done a lot of things – written checks and said yes when we asked them,” Sandra Leonard added.
Even under the demands of their careers – Sandra Leonard is a consultant at A.C. Edwards in Bangor while Ted Leonard is a partner with Eaton Peabody, a law firm in Bangor – the couple serves the community in a number of other faculties.
Sandra Leonard, UMaine class of 1965, is chair of UMaine’s President’s Council, on the board of the Bangor Youth Ballet, on the board of the Bangor Symphony Orchestra, on the board of the Bangor YMCA, the chair of the Maine Center for the Arts’ gala committee, a trustee of the Good Samaritan Agency, a trustee at John Bapst Memorial High School and flower show judge.
Ted Leonard, also from the graduating class of 1965, is on the board of the Bangor Children’s Home, on the board for the University of Maine School of Law, on the board of the Katahdin Area Council Boy Scouts of America, Inc. and has served alongside his wife on the UMaine Museum of Art Advisory Board for the past six years.
