May. 15, 2012

In recognition of his or her outstanding volunteer service and contributions to the community, Rita Rice Morris awarded several Shawnee State University alumni at the annual President's Gala on Saturday, April 28.

Morris presented the Alumni Community Service award to James Webb, a 2002 graduate and Bill Raison, a 1997 graduate.

She presented Distinguished Alumni awards presented to Pat Rigsby, a 1995 graduate and Dr. Philip Roberts, a 1999 graduate. Morris presented his mother, Dr. Rita Roberts, with an Honorary Alumnus Award.

Webb, who lives in Denver, Colorado, received his degree in electromechanical engineering technology at SSU. He is a race car driver and owner of a classic car dealership, Midlife Motors, and he is founder of PitCrew Mentoring. His mentoring program is unique and pairs car mechanics with young men who have not had a father figure in their lives. Webb spends time working with juvenile treatment facilities and halfway homes for young men.

Raison earned his degree in business administration from SSU. He is Fire Chief of the Portsmouth Fire Department, and he has engaged in volunteer work and community service that touches thousands of Portsmouth area residents. For nearly 30 years, he has been involved in the all-volunteer Reach Workcamp project that provides free home repairs to area families.

Rigsby led the Bears as head baseball coach to a record of 194-86 for a winning percentage of .692 over six seasons. He became college baseball's youngest coach to reach the100 career win plateau in 1999 and he achieved national rankings in five of six seasons with a fifth place finish in 2000 NAIA World Series.

Rigsby co-founded Fitness Consulting Group, an Internet marketing enterprise offering fitness business products and coaching services to fitness entrepreneurs. He launched the Website www.FitBusinessInsider.com that was named a Blue Ribbon Small Business award winner by the U.S. Chamber of Commerce for contributions to restoring the economy and dedication to America's free enterprise system.

Roberts has been driven to excel early in his education, graduating from Piketon High school as valedictorian and Bachelor of Science Cum Laude in biology in 1995 from Shawnee State University. At SSU, he was president of the Pre-Med Club and Phi Eta Sigma, the National Honor Society. Roberts earned his Doctor of Osteopathy from Ohio University and served as resident at Southern Ohio Medical Center.