The story was published in The Daily Reflector, Greenville, NC, Wednesday, January 19, 2011.
Daneel le Roux, Chief Executive Officer of Eastern Carolina Vocational Center in Greenville, was named the 2010 Citizen of the Year by the Greenville-Pitt County Chamber of Commerce at its recent annual meeting.
Don Mills and Daneel le Roux
Dan Mills--former president of the Chamber of Commerce
“I always admired the people who got this award before me,” le Roux said. “And now to be among these great people is wonderful.” He further stated, “From the bottom of my heart I express my profound appreciation for the honor you bestowed on me tonight.”
Born in South Africa, le Roux came to the United States in 1947 to finish high school. After college (which included Holmes Bible College), missionary work, and teaching positions, he came to Pitt County in 1965 to be near his wife’s family. He worked as a writer for Encyclopedia Britannica and at Beaufort Community College. He became president of ECVC in 1982—his title changed to CEO about a year ago.
Le Roux introduced an entrepreneurial philosophy to ECVC that before had struggled to survive on grants. ECVC is a private, not-for-profit corporation that provides training and employment to people with disabilities.
“Of the awards I’ve gotten, this is the most culminating, the one of which I am most proud and for which I am most grateful,” le Roux said. “I really credit the people I’ve worked with and the citizens here. Their help inspired me. They really won this award.”
[Editor's comment: I have known Daneel le Roux since 1957. He is responsible for introducing me to Melvine Stewart, my bride of over 50 years. He was the best man in our wedding at the Draper Pentecostal Holiness Church in Draper, NC, on August 13, 1960. He is a treasured and trusted friend whom I hold in high esteem with great respect and admiration for his integrity, leadership, and commitment to Jesus Christ and the church. He is a gifted businessman, a talented leader, and a great American.
Daneel and his wife, Betty Von Moore le Roux, were on a cruise in the Caribbean when he received word he was named Citizen of the Year, having booked the trip before he knew he was even nominated. Though he regretted being unable to attend the ceremony in the Rock Springs Center in Greenville, NC, he wrote an acceptance speech.
Daneel le Roux served as the chairman of the Board of Trustees of Holmes Bible College for 16 years. His commitment to our Bible college during difficult and trying times has been a sterling example of dedication, determination, and perseverance. We, as Pentecostals, owe Daneel a debt of gratitude for his steadfastness and stability during turbulent times.]
Posted on
Wed, January 26, 2011
by Hugh Morgan