The Salvation Army of Syracuse recognized top figures on the Hill Tuesday at its annual Civic Celebration.

Cornelius ‘Neil’ Murphy, president of the State University of New York College of Environmental Science and Forestry, was presented a community team spirit award. And former Syracuse University football Coach Dick MacPherson received the national Others Award, noting his longstanding commitment to the organization’s mission.

Arthur Brooks, director of nonprofit studies at the Maxwell School of Citizenship and Public Affairs, gave the keynote address. Brooks’ most recent studies examine why people make philanthropic donations and the effect it has on their happiness.

‘Our gifts are gifts to us, is what I’m telling you,’ Brooks said. ‘Our gifts are what change us and make us better people. We’re not just called to give. We’re called to help others to give.’

A community team spirit award was also given to Paul C. Nojaim of Nojaim Bros. Supermarkets.

The event was held at the OnCenter Tuesday afternoon. Tickets were $150 per person.

-compiled by Eddie Jacovino, asst. news editor

The Syracuse Public Arts Commission will have another member with broken ties to Syracuse University.

Christine Capella-Peters, who last year was a professor in the landscape architecture department at SUNY-ESF, was appointed to the commission Monday by Mayor Matt Driscoll.

N’namdi Muhammad, of the Southside Neigborhood Arts Council, was also one of the eight Driscoll appointed.

The Common Council appointed three to the commission last week, including Astria Suparak, who was dismissed from her position as director of The Warehouse Art Gallery Friday.

Members of the SU faculty will take their turn being lectured today.

Matt Werder of Fleet Feet Sports in Syracuse will be speaking in the Hall of Languages at noon. His talk, part of the ‘Staff 2 Staff’ speaker series, will be titled ‘How to Get and Stay Motivated in an Exercise Program.’ Solutions will be offered to get staff on the right exercise track, according to SU News.

Published on October 2, 2007 at 12:00 pm