Every year, United Way of Southwest Michigan recognizes outstanding volunteers in Berrien and Cass counties with two prestigious awards. The group is once again seeking nominations of volunteers to receive recognition at its Annual Celebration, to be held on April 23, at the Lake Michigan College Mendel Center Grand Upton Hall in Benton Harbor.
Two awards will be featured at the event: The Margaret B. Upton Volunteer Leadership Award for Berrien County, and the Judge Susan L. Dobrich Volunteer Leadership Award for Cass County.
Nominations for both of these awards will be taken through January 31 at uwsm.org/nominate-a-volunteer.
Margaret B. Upton Volunteer Leadership Award
United Way of Southwest Michigan is seeking nominations for the Margaret B. Upton Volunteer Leadership Award. This lifetime achievement award is given to one outstanding volunteer in Berrien County who has a history of service of more than 10 years, a diversity of volunteer experience with multiple organizations or significant contribution to a single organization, and teamwork and leadership experience.
The winner will receive $5,000 to donate to the nonprofit of their choice. The monetary portion of this award is being provided by the Frederick S. Upton Foundation.
Judge Susan L. Dobrich Volunteer Leadership Award for Cass County
United Way of Southwest Michigan is accepting nominations for the Judge Susan L. Dobrich Volunteer Leadership Award for Cass County. This lifetime achievement award is named in honor of Cass County’s Judge Susan L. Dobrich.
This award will be presented to one volunteer in Cass County, Michigan who demonstrates more than eight years of volunteer contributions, a diversity of volunteer experience with multiple organizations or a significant contribution to a single organization, and various levels of volunteer experience including teamwork, physical, clerical, and/or leadership.
The winner of this award will receive $5,000 that will be directed to a nonprofit that serves Cass County residents. The monetary portion of this award is being provided by the McLoughlin Family Foundation.
United Way photo:
2025 Volunteer Leadership Award Winners
2025 Margaret B. Upton Volunteer Leadership Award Winner Rick Freridge is pictured with 2025 Susan L. Dobrich Volunteer Leadership Award Winner Leigh Goyings at the Annual Celebration held April 24, 2025.
