AUM partners with the Samaritan Counseling Center to create River Region Ethics Awards

The Samaritan Counseling Center Inc. is launching a new community initiative in collaboration with Auburn Montgomery’s Schools of Business and Sciences.

The newly established River Region Ethics in Business and Public Service Awards program will honor small, medium and large businesses, nonprofit organizations/public agencies and community leaders that stand apart in their dedication to the highest ethical standards in their approach to the workplace in the tri-county area.

Chancellor John Veres, second from left, told reporters recent problems at the national level have underscored the importance of educating business students about ethical practices. Also pictured are, from left, Keith Norman and Dr. Blakle Horne from the Samaritan Center and Business Dean Jane Goodson.

The announcement establishing the new awards was made Wednesday during a press conference in front of Clement Hall. Board members and administrators from Samaritan joined AUM administrators in trumpeting the the partnership and the positive effect the program will have on the River Region.

Nominations may be made Nov. 18-Feb. 10 online through the program’s Web site (www.riverregionethics.com) or by requesting nomination forms from the Samaritan Counseling Center (262-7787). Under the supervision of faculty, AUM Business and Public Administration graduate students will conduct research probing the ethical policies and practices of six nominees in each category. An independent selection committee made up of community leaders will review the final academic reports and designate three finalists and an award winner in each category.

The awards program will culminate at a luncheon honoring finalists and award winners on Nov. 4.

The Samaritan Counseling Center Inc. is part of a national network of centers accredited by The Samaritan Institute in Denver, Colo. (www.samaritaninstitute.org). Founded as a 501(c)3 organization in 1999, The Samaritan Counseling Center presents the River Region Ethics in Business and Public Service Awards in order to:

• Foster a climate of ethical integrity in the community by recognizing ethical practices of businesses, organizations and individuals
• Promote awareness and education concerning ethical business and public service behavior
• Heighten awareness regarding programs and services of The Samaritan Counseling Center available to strengthen families and organizations
• Support the healing work of The Samaritan Counseling Center Inc. and to fund scholarships for AUM Business and Public Administration students

Nov. 19, 2009