Las Vegan Sherman Conley Takes Andrus Prize

A Lifetime Commitment to Service

2012 Andrus Award winner Sherman Conley began his life of service as an elementary school teacher in upstate New York. “I wanted to help children live better lives through education,” says Conley. “Though they had only eighth grade educations themselves, my parents were strong supporters of education and pushed me to achieve. I wanted to offer that same support for the next generation through my teaching.”

See Also: A Life of Service: Biography of Ethel Percy Andrus

Retiring didn’t show him down. After a move to Las Vegas in 2004, Conley signed up to volunteer during the AARP Life@50+ convention looking for something fun to do.

“We first met Sherman volunteering during Life@50+,” says Rick and Jo James, who nominated for Conley for the Award. “Once we became volunteer leads for AARP Nevada booths at community events, Sherman was always the first volunteer to work an event alongside us.”

Giving Is Full Time Job

In addition to serving as an AARP Community Ambassador and working events for eight years, Sherman has also volunteered teaching AARP Driver Safety courses, and volunteering at AARP days at Three Square food bank. But AARP isn’t the only organization for which Conley volunteers.

He spends countless hours working to improve the lives of others by volunteering at the Veterans’ Health Centers, visiting VA patients at Nellis hospital and serving on the Veterans’ Volunteer Board.

Says Conley, “While I was not able to serve in the military, I have always had deep respect and appreciation for their service. I do not come from a military family but I know the freedoms and safety I enjoy are due to their willingness to serve.”

Award Highest Volunteer Honor Given by AARP Nevada

The AARP State Andrus Award for Community Service recognizes individuals who, through volunteer service, are significantly enhancing the lives of individuals age 50 or older. The award will be formally presented to Sherman Conley at a ceremony in Las Vegas on September and in Reno on October 2.

“This award demonstrates to the public that we can all work together for positive social change,” says Nancy Andersen, AARP Nevada’s Director of Public Engagement. “AARP values the spirit of volunteerism and the important contributions volunteers make to their communities, neighbors, and the programs they serve.”

Recipients across the nation were chosen for their ability to enhance the lives of AARP members and prospective members, improve the community in or for which the work was performed, and inspire others to volunteer.