Montevallo, AL – The David Mathews Center for Civic Life would like to announce that Dr. Hollie Cost was awarded the David Mathews Center for Civic Life’s 2019 Jean O’Connor-Snyder Award at the Mathews Center’s fourth annual Civic Institute Luncheon on Friday, August 16, 2019, at the American Village in Montevallo.

The Jean O’Connor-Snyder Award annually recognizes an Alabama community leader who has empowered others in the spirit of Jean O’Connor-Snyder. Jean O’Connor-Snyder served as a mentor for the Capstone Men and Women of the University of Alabama during the 1970s; her commitment to community, service, and excellence deeply impacted the young men and women she mentored. The Mathews Center honors her life and legacy through a statewide undergraduate internship program and through the annual Jean O’Connor-Snyder Award. Recipients of the Jean O’Connor-Snyder Award must demonstrate a record of serving their communities while encouraging and empowering others to be active, engaged members of society. Award winners are epitomized by their unique ability to uncover the potential in others. Jean O’Connor-Snyder Award recipients demonstrate a commitment to finding the worth in everyone and empowering others to use their talents to improve their communities.

Dr. Hollie Cost serves as Mayor of the City of Montevallo and Professor of Special Education at the University of Montevallo. Dr. Cost has been instrumental in facilitating civic education initiatives for Montevallo’s youth through initiatives such as Students’ Institute and the Montevallo Junior City Council, which has received national acclaim for its innovation and unapologetic delegation of responsibilities among local youth. 

“Mayor Cost embodies the spirit of the Jean O’Connor-Snyder Award,” says Cristin Brawner, the Mathews Center’s Executive Director. “We admire Mayor Cost’s undying commitment to engaging her community, and particularly elevating youth voices in decision making and action. I cannot think of a more deserving recipient of the 2019 Jean O’Connor-Snyder Award.” 

The David Mathews Center for Civic Life is a 501(c)3 nonprofit, nonpartisan organization that works to strengthen civic life in Alabama by increasing active citizenship, community collaboration, and effective decision making.