It's been a wonderful life for GCC 2011 Distinguished Person of the Year winner

When the Germanna Educational Foundation named Edward V. Allison Jr. its 2011 Distinguished Person of the Year Friday night at Fredericksburg Square, GCC President David A. Sam explained Allison's impact in a way everyone could understand.
Former winners of the honor include former state Sen. John Chichester and Dr. Jane Ingalls, R.N.

Germanna President David A. Sam said: "At the end of the movie, ‘'It's a Wonderful Life,’' George Bailey receives a book from the angel Clarence with the inscription: ‘'No man is a failure who has friends.’' Ed Allison is so far from a failure as demonstrated by all the friends in the room tonight and in our community.

“"But to have friends, you must be a friend. And to be a friend, you must give of yourself,” said Sam. “Ed Allison does that. He is a servant leader, living the ideal of giving of himself through leadership to a cause of calling larger than himself. He is a model for all of us, and most deserving of this recognition.”"

Mike Catell, director of GCC's Educational Foundation, said: "Ed Allison's extraordinary service has positively impacted thousands of lives throughout our region. He is a true servant-leader, and the Educational Foundation is honored to recognize and celebrate his life of service."

Chichester, a lifelong friend of Allison and himself the 2010 Distinguished Person of the Year, said "Most every city, county and town are blessed with ... one or two individuals who are always ready and willing to contribute to the betterment of their community, church, neighborhood or whatever may need a helping hand. Fredericksburg is a community that possesses one such individual. We are fortunate that Ed Allison lives here. Ed is, and has always been, totally committed to his community."

Chichester praised Allison for his contributions to higher education and banking, saying: "He always kept a keen eye on how he could contribute to the overall betterment of the entire Fredericksburg area. He is truly a deserving recipient of this most prestigious award."

Allison retired in 2003 as President of Virginia Heartland Bank
He was a member of the Fredericksburg School Board from 1971-77 and is currently a member of the University of Mary Washington Foundation, Mary Washington Hospital Foundation, and is on the board of the Rappahannock United Way.

The awards dinner raised $50,000 for the GCC Educational Foundation.

Fredericksburg Square and StellarOne Bank were sponsors of the event.