Dr. James Ramsay, President of The University of Louisville, honored Dr. Thomas H. Crawford, LRSEF Emeritus Board member and former Fair Director, at the Community Engagement Awards Ceremony on October 3 with the first Lifetime Achievement Award for his dedicated leadership across a wide range of educational areas in this region and state. Many of the LRSEF current Board of Directors, friends and former students of Dr. Crawford were there to celebrate this special occasion with him. Tom, a retired professor of chemistry and former provost at U of L, is widely known for his engaging science demonstrations and his innovative education programs utilizing the “Seven Habits of Highly Successful People” as a student leadership development strategy. Tom spearheaded bringing the Regional Science Fair to the U of L campus and was highly visible often out directing traffic on Floyd Street in the early morning hours on the day of the annual fair.
Last spring, the Louisville Regional Science and Engineering Fair Board also recognized Dr. Crawford with our first ever Leadership Award, given by Dr. Tina Gibson at our 2013 Science Fair. Tina gave a heartfelt testimony of Tom’s impact on the quality and depth of the science fair over many years, and he was given a beautiful glass sculpture. Among his many achievements were his hard work to help establish the Kentucky State Science and Engineering Fair 10 years ago and his constant efforts to celebrate all regional participants along with the help of his lovely wife Wanda.