Liberty Bank seeking nominations for diversity award

MIDDLETOWN — Liberty Bank is now accepting nominations for its 21st annual Willard M. McRae Community Diversity Award.

The application deadline has been extended to Friday, and the recipient will be recognized in the fall, according to a press release.

Since 2001, Liberty Bank’s Foundation has presented this honor to individuals who have made outstanding and ongoing contributions to the cause of promoting and celebrating diversity, equity, and inclusion in the communities it serves, the bank said.

It is named in honor of the late McRae, past chairman of the Board of Directors and a founding member of the Foundation Board of Directors. A lifelong Middletown resident who passed away in early 2016, McRae was known for his “extraordinary commitment to equal access and opportunities for all, regardless of economic status, race, background, disability or other factors,” according to a press release.

“His contributions to children’s mental health, education, and human services made a positive difference for thousands of people,” it continued.

Through involvement with a community service organization, the recipient will have enhanced the quality of life by raising awareness that diversity, equity, inclusion, and racial justice are sources of strength, the statement said. “He/she will be a leader in building positive relationships between different people — relationships in which they view their differences as assets, not liabilities,” it said.

For a full list of past recipients, along with evaluation criteria and eligibility requirements, and to nominate someone, visit liberty-bank.com.