Pennsylvania Humanities Council Announces the 2013 Humanities Awards Recipients

PHILADELPHIA, Sept. 5, 2013 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- Pennsylvania Humanities Council is pleased to announce the recipients of the 2013 Pennsylvania Humanities Awards, honoring exemplary humanities leaders and programs in Pennsylvania. Awards will be presented at a ceremony and reception on October 7, from 5-7 pm in the Pennsylvania Statehouse Main Rotunda.

"It gives me great pleasure to be able to recognize individuals and organizations whose work supports and advocates for the humanities throughout Pennsylvania. It is especially exciting for us to present these awards for the first time, as PHC celebrates its 40^th anniversary, and during National Arts & Humanities Month," said Pennsylvania Humanities Council Executive Director, Laurie Zierer.

The awards honorees are:

Pennsylvania First Lady Susan Corbett − Champion of the Humanities Award: Known for her museum, library and arts work. Mrs. Corbett is passionate about Pennsylvania culture and history.

Ann Benzel, Altoona − Distinguished Service in the Humanities Award: President of Benzel's Bretzel Bakery, Inc. a fourth generation family business in operation since 1911. Known for work on the restoration of the historic Mishler Theatre, Ms. Benzel has a long, impressive and diverse history of community service.

Lenwood Sloan, Harrisburg − Distinguished Service in the Humanities Award: Known across the U.S. as a catalytic agent, animator, and facilitator of cultural and heritage programs. For the past 40 years Mr. Sloan has provided inspiration, leadership and technical assistance both in the public and private sector. 

Jazz Bridge, Philadelphia − Humanities Partner Award: a nonprofit presenter and arts service organization dedicated to assisting professional Greater Philadelphia Metro area jazz and blues musicians and vocalists in times of crisis while building an awareness of the local jazz sound.

The 2013 Pennsylvania Humanities Awards Ceremony and Reception is made possible by the generous support of corporate sponsors and partners that include, Champion Sponsor: Capital BlueCross, Humanities Sponsors: Dilworth Paxson, LLP and Seton Hill University and Media Partner: PCN, which will air the awards ceremony on Tuesday, Oct.8, at 8:30 p.m.

Pennsylvania Humanities Awards recognizes individuals and organizations whose local, regional or state-level work champions the humanities. To purchase tickets or to learn about sponsorship opportunities and ad space in the event program, please visit www.pahumanities.org.

Media Contact: Sherry C. Hicks, 215.925.1005

SOURCE Pennsylvania Humanities Council