Justin Vigdor & Nancy Brush Honored at WXXI's Associates Event

(Rochester, NY) November 21, 2016 – WXXI named Justin Vigdor the 2016 Associate of the Year and honored Nancy Brush with its 2016 President’s Award during WXXI’s 50^th Anniversary Associates Dinner at the Country Club of Rochester last Saturday. One hundred and thirty WXXI supporters attended the dinner with special guest speaker, American puppeteer Caroll Spinney, who has played Sesame Street's Big Bird and Oscar the Grouch for more than four decades.

WXXI President Norm Silverstein presented Justin Vigdor with the Associates award, which recognizes individuals who have made significant contributions in support of WXXI’s mission of public service. He and his wife Louise are original members, supporting WXXI since 1966. In addition to their personal support, as a Trustee of the Ames-Amzalak Memorial Trust, Vigdor has helped secure significant grant funding for WXXI operations, as well as for special projects and campaigns. He has been a tireless champion and a valued partner to WXXI and the Little Theatre. Vigdor is an attorney with Bond Schoeneck and King, and has served as President of the New York State Bar and Monroe County Bar Associations. 

Vigdor joins a long list of Associate of the Year recipients, including WXXI Honorary Trustees Catherine Carlson, Betty Strasenburgh, and Richard F. Brush, as well as Larry and Jane Glazer, Suzanne Gouvernet, Harry P. Truehart III, Dr. Nancy Perkins Weyl, Ted Shepard, Dick Eisenhart, B. Thomas Golisano, George M. Ewing, Sr., Robert C. Stevens, Dolores F. Parlato, Ed Saphar, Jacques Lipson, MD and Dr. Dawn Lipson.

Silverstein also presented Nancy Brush with the President’s Award, which honors an individual who exemplifies the spirit of collaboration toward the WXXI mission, makes a contribution to WXXI programming, and/or demonstrates exceptional commitment, creativity, and leadership. An original WXXI member, Brush began her involvement with the station as a volunteer—working the auctions at the old East High School. She then served on the Board of Trustees and later joined the staff, eventually becoming the Vice President for Development. She oversaw the funding for the addition to the State Street studios and developed WXXI’s Planned Giving program that is now nationally recognized for its success. She continues to be a trusted advisor and a supportive donor. Brush is the fourth recipient of the President’s Award, joining honorees Dr. Roger Oskvig, Dee Molinari, and Dr. Arthur J. Moss.

To commemorate both awards, a tree will be planted in Highland Park in honor of Vigdor and Brush, and their names will be inscribed on award plaques. 

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WXXI is the essential, life-long educational media resource for the Greater Rochester area. WXXI puts the community first with programming that stimulates and expands thought, inspires the spirit, opens cultural horizons and promotes understanding of diverse community issues. WXXI also has a long-term affiliation with Little Theatre, which helps enhance the cultural life of the community and strengthens two of Rochester's most vital arts institutions. Log on to wxxi.org for more information about our services and programs.