Press Release

Evergreen Award of Marquette County Honors Nheena Weyer Ittner

Monday, October 24th, 2011

MARQUETTE COUNTY – Recognized for being a visionary for women and children to reach their potential, especially in Marquette County and numerous areas in the community, Nheena Weyer Ittner was honored as recipient of the 2011 Evergreen Award of Marquette County.

The award was announced at the 2011 Evergreen Award Luncheon held at the Northern Michigan University Great Lakes Room on Monday, October 24.

Weyer Ittner was recognized for accomplishments in her career, for being an outstanding role model and mentor and making a strong contribution to the betterment of Marquette County through the use of her time, energy and creativity. Weyer Ittner is the Executive Director of the Upper Peninsula Children’s Museum and also a founding Board Member. She has been with the museum for 20 years and has helped in creating employment for dozens of local young people and fun for thousands of visitors. Weyer Ittner has been a tireless supporter and advocate for youth programming and has encouraged youth (especially young women) to succeed where many in our community have yielded to hurdles and pressures. Through her guidance, she has also provided role-model opportunities for youth and employees of the Children’s Museum.

Stu Bradley, friend and MI Upper Hand co-founding member comments, “Nheena is one of the most effective leaders in our community. Twenty years ago she had a vision of creating a museum for children. The Children's Museum now has over 40,000 visitors each year and budget of about $400,000. Seven years ago she volunteered to be Chair of the Skateboard Plaza Committee.....and because of her leadership, the Park will be completed next Summer. If you want something done.....get Nheena on the Committee.”

Phyllis Wong adds, “When I think of Nheena, I see a person who exemplifies a 'can do' attitude. No challenge is too large to stop this Evergreen recipient from tackling issues-big or small, popular or unpopular-and no challenge is too difficult to stop this Evergreen recipient from her commitment to helping build a stronger community. Though this Evergreen recipient may not see herself as a leader and mentor, her ability to inspire female mentees from NMU's Student Leadership fellowship Program is exemplary. Without a doubt, her positive attitude, her passion for supporting young people (especially young girls and young women), and her unyielding commitment to enriching our community make Nheena a great Evergreen recipient.”

The Evergreen Award is a regional award, and is organized by the Zonta Club of Marquette Area. The award is open to men and women of Marquette County who are inspirational in their roles as mentors of women and girls. The selection committee evaluated the nominees based on how they demonstrated excellence, creativity and initiative in their professions or as volunteers.

Beyond her professional life, Weyer Ittner has demonstrated support for women and girls in her volunteerism in the community. She has been involved in numerous programs and service organizations. Some include: Marquette Arts and Culture Center President and Consultant, Michigan Council for Arts and Cultural Affairs (appointed by the Governor), Michigan Museum’s Association President, Artserve Michigan Board Member and Cabinet, Marquette Skate Board Plaza Committee Chair, Marquette Symphony Orchestra Board Member, Marquette Economic Club past President and current Board Member, Iron Ore Heritage Trail Citizens Advisory Group, Marquette 4th of July Grand Marshall, Mentor through NMU’s Student Leader Fellowship program for over 15 years, Learning Network for Adolescent Girls Board Member and is also a Co-Founding member of MI Upper Hand.

The Evergreen Award is added to the list of other esteemed accolades that Weyer Ittner has garnered. Weyer Ittner received the Outstanding Arts Educator from the City of Marquette (1998), Governor’s Excellence Award presented by Governor Jennifer Granholm (2003), Outstanding Supporter in Children’s Development from the March of Dimes (2006), Zonta Club of Marquette Area Rose Recipient (2006), President’s Award from the Michigan Museum’s Association (2007), Community Arts Activist from the City of Marquette (2008), a multiple recipient of the Angel’s Award presented by Blue Cross Blue Shield, Outstanding Citizen Award for promoting the work of female teachers from Delta Kappa Gamma.

Dennis Whitley and Jim Edwards from the Children’s Museum comments, “Nheena has mentored so many young women through the years it would be impossible to compile a list. She has worked with numerous interns through the years, as well as scores of employees at the Children's Museum. Nheena always allows the interns working with her to learn as much as they can about how to run a successful non-profit. Her positive, "can-do" energy is easily transferred to the young women she works with, no doubt leaving them with lessons they can take forward through their lives. It's easy to be a good mentor when you have that positive energy, truly care about the projects you are involved with and are generally a nice person. We at the Children's Museum congratulate Nheena on being named as the latest recipient of the Evergreen Award.”

Amy Clickner, past Evergreen Award recipient adds, “Nheena has been a champion, supporter and mentor to women and children of all ages. She has selflessly given her talents to Marquette County and beyond. It is truly fitting that we recognize her with the Evergreen Award.”

The Evergreen Award program also includes a $1,000 scholarship to a local life-long learner pursuing an educational program. Cynthia Rankinen was presented with the 2011 Evergreen Scholarship at the luncheon. Scholarship applications are available by contacting the Marquette County Community Foundation.

Evergreen Award and Scholarship sponsors include Barton, Negri & Associates, VAST, Cliffs Natural Resources, The Landmark Inn, Peninsula Medical Center, Public Service Garage, Range Bank, Zonta Club of Marquette and WLUC-TV6. For more information on Evergreen Award and Scholarship program, please visit www.zontamqt.org or contact Pam Stewart at 315-7217 or pams@vastsolution.com.

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