Ramsey bestows 2014 Presidential Medals

University of Louisville President James Ramsey honored Sandy Metts Snowden and the WHAS Crusade for Children July 16 with 2014 Presidential Medals. July 15, 2014

The prize goes to those who have made a significant, positive impact on the university and community. The 6:30 p.m. award ceremony was held at Amelia Place.

Snowden has been a champion for individuals with autism and their families. In 2011, the lobby area of the UofL Autism Center was named in her honor, recognizing her passion to raise awareness and dollars and to improve services related to the disorder.

A former member of the university’s Board of Trustees and current member of the Board of Overseers, Snowden is owner and president of Sandy Metts and Associates, a real estate sale, management and brokerage firm. She has served on various community boards including Kosair Charities, Republic Bank and Trust Co. and Nucleus.

“Sandy has been a true friend of the university and an outstanding role model for anyone who aspires to start their own business and build it into a successful enterprise,” said Ramsey. “Her enthusiasm and leadership have made a huge difference to many Louisvillians, including those with autism. Through Sandy’s help, UofL has been able to broaden and enhance its services to help those with autism and their families.”

Ramsey also recognized WHAS Crusade for Children for its 60-plus years of public service and for raising over $160 million since its 1954 inception.

“The WHAS Crusade for Children is a beloved institution because it helps our most vulnerable citizens and has a long history as one of the most successful telethons in the nation,” said Ramsey. “We are very fortunate to be considered a partner in its efforts.”

The Crusade has contributed more than $22 million to the university for children’s services such as intensive therapies for spinal cord injuries; help for those with learning disorders and the purchase of special equipment such as defibrillators, aspirators, wheelchairs and exam beds.

Past recipients of the Presidential Medal include Sam Swope, Henry Heuser, Kosair Charities, Gheens Foundation Inc. and the James Graham Brown Foundation, among others.