Southwestern University President Jake B. Schrum received the Citizen of the Year Award from the Georgetown Chamber of Commerce Jan. 30. The award is presented to persons whose outstanding efforts on behalf of the community, above and beyond employment responsibilities, best exemplify the values and characteristics of true citizenship.

Schrum has served on the board of The Georgetown Project, the Chisholm Trail Community Foundation and First Texas Bank of Georgetown. He has worked with many other civic organization in town, including Georgetown Partners in Education.

“Causal observation of President Schrum in action reveals a man with uncommon intellect and a passion for a community that serves the needs of children from pre-school through university level,” said Gene Davenport, executive director of The Georgetown Project.

Schrum was nominated for the award by former Georgetown Mayor Gary Nelon. “Since becoming president of Southwestern University, Jake has worked not only for a better ‘town/gown’ relationship, but has provided leadership for the ‘town,’” Nelon said.

Schrum also was recognized for encouraging Southwestern staff members to take an active role in the local community.

“With Jake Schrum’s leadership, Southwestern has helped Georgetown grow to its full potential, and Jake and his staff have participated in that growth, and assisted in molding our community,” said Tim Harris, president of Georgetown Commercial Properties. “This is not by accident, but is a conscious effort by President Schrum to make Southwestern the best corporate citizen it can be.”

Schrum previously the Chamber’s Cornerstone Award in the area of education.