"Dr. Pearse Lyons and his wife, Deirdre, have been named the 2007 Volunteer Spirit Award honorees by the Volunteers of America of Kentucky. The couple received the award for demonstrating compassion and commitment to their local and world community. The Lyons' philanthropic causes are supported by Alltech, the biotechnology company founded by Dr. Lyons that is, today, a global leader in animal health and nutrition. On June 14, Volunteers of America of Kentucky will celebrate "An Evening of Tribute" in honor of the Lyons' endeavors at Griffin Gate Marriott Resort on Newtown Pike in Lexington.
Behind the scenes
Dr. Lyons, president of Alltech, speaks easily and enthusiastically about the achievements and possibilities for agriculture and science. Alltech makes scientific news headlines around the world, but when it comes to being the headliner for a personal tribute, Dr. Lyons expresses that he is a bit of out of his comfort zone. To both husband and wife, their personal commitment to helping others feels private. The Volunteer Spirit Award is deeply appreciated, yet, it's unusual to be at the podium in this kind public forum.
"We're not self-serving. We're quietly behind the scenes," said Lyons. "For all of us, time is precious. We (Deirdre and I) love what we do. And we're good at it. We're lucky. We feel it is important to give back in a directed fashion."
Deirdre Lyons is Alltech's director of corporate design and project management. Their philanthropic contributions are given through Alltech programs that focus on communities where employees work or in places that have been affected by natural disasters.
When Hurricane Katrina struck, Alltech helped several families settle in Kentucky. Alltech also has helped develop high school science labs for Kentucky students. "I firmly believe in education. And when the challenge came up, we stepped up. It's our hope that these new laboratories will make science fun and encourage the next generation that science is fun and enter with passion," said Lyons.
The Lyons' have a huge passion for opera, and once again, a passion has been transformed into an effort to help others with The Alltech Opera Competition at UK. The annual event, which draws entrants from all around the nation, includes five major prize categories awarded to graduate and undergraduate students by Alltech, the William E. Schmidt Foundation, Kentucky Opera and UK Opera Theatre. Winners were selected by a panel of three judges not affiliated with UK or Alltech.
Graduate students compete on the stage of the Singletary Center for two Alltech graduate prizes, including full UK graduate assistantships, with the first place winner earning an additional $10,000 cash award and the second place winner receiving an additional $7,500 cash award.
Alltech again became involved in relief efforts following the Asian tsunami. "We help directly," Lyons said. "We're in 80-plus countries. We've helped rebuild a couple of villages, starting with houses. Then, there were shops to be rebuilt and restocked. We built 10 boats. When we launched, it was so gratifying. My son Mark says that it is in the giving that you get. He's right. The fact is, you get so much back. And, being involved does so much for the morale of our people."
The people at Volunteers of America of Kentucky couldn't agree more. "The Volunteer Spirit Award provides our organization with an opportunity to pay tribute to an individual or couple who has devoted their time and resources for the betterment of their community, whether it's their neighbors across the street or their neighbors across the world, said Brian Wright, director of communications. "Dr. Pearse Lyons and his wife, Deirdre, are superior examples of compassion and commitment to community. We hope this recognition will rekindle the volunteer spirit that we believe is alive in everyone." Proceeds from the Evening of Tribute support Volunteers of America of Kentucky programs that serve the homeless, pregnant teens, veterans and individuals recovering from substance abuse.
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