David Belew, William & Mary ’50, has received the “Lifetime Hero of Character Award” from the West Chester, Ohio, Character Council.

David is the former President of Beckett Paper, a longstanding institution in the area. The theme of this year’s award was “Character Connects” and the goal is to celebrate individuals who make the community better by setting an example of integrity.

David has previously been featured by the local Journal News as “Mr. Hamilton” based on his commitment to growing and improving the community. In addition to his many years of work in Hamilton, David spends his time promoting local music, parks, and economic development. “Volunteering is my No. 1 hobby,” David said in the feature, “Volunteering is the rent we pay for occupying our spot on this earth.” David is active in his church, a passionate pianist and Board member of the Hamilton & Fairfield Symphony Orchestra, and a Board member of Hillside College in Michigan, a small school he spoke at 30 years ago and fell so in love with he wanted to promote their principles. After an open heart surgery in 1988 he became an ardent supporter of the local chapter of the American Heart Association, of which he eventually became President and a top fundraiser. In 1975 he started an auction for the local Boys & Girls club. Their goal was to raise $5,000. With David’s help they raised $10,000. In 2010, the auction raised $100,000.

This is the eighth year the Character Award has been given, according to Jacqueline Schmucki, Executive Director of the Council. “What’s really great is a lot of the people that we honor tend to come to us and say, ‘You know I never win anything, I’m not the best in school or I was never the fastest or anything like that’,” Jacqueline said. “Just by being who they are and being great people, respectful, responsible, kind, compassionate… It’s a really great thing to be recognized for being a good person.”

Five individuals also received the “Hero of Character” award; although, David is the only honoree receiving the lifetime designation. The council expects 250-300 people to attend the celebration.

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