ATHENS, Ohio -- Ohio University graduate Jim Martin, who coordinated emergency services in New York City during events surrounding the World Trade Center collapse, returned to his alma mater Wednesday, May 22, to meet with community and campus groups.

During his visit, Martin spent with local law enforcement officials including the Ohio University Police Department, firefighters, rescue personnel and members of the Athens County Emergency Management Agency team. His discussion emphasized the importance of planning and preparedness when dealing with emergencies.

Martin also was the keynote speaker for the Ohio University Leadership Recognition Reception in the Baker University Center Ballroom. During his talk, Martin shared with the students the essence of leadership and how they can apply it in their careers.

"Leadership is more than an appointed position. To be a leader, you have to motivate others. It's important to establish credibility with your supervisors and with those who work with you," Martin said. "I believe that by giving something back to your job and those you work with, you make a significant contribution."

"You will develop your own leadership style form observing the positive traits of your supervisors," Martin advised the student-leaders.

Martin, a 1973 Ohio University graduate, is a chief with New York City Emergency Medical Service. On September 11, he was part of a team that established a command post about two blocks from the wreckage, where more than 100 individuals were treated the first day.

Throughout the first week, Martin and his co-workers worked 20-hour shifts. He remained stationed at Ground Zero for seven weeks.

The New York Medical Service hired Martin, a New York City native, in 1978 after working with EMS as a volunteer following his graduation from Ohio University.

Wednesday's Leadership Recognition Reception saluted students and campus organizations whose work has improved the quality of campus and community life. The offices of the Vice President for Student Affairs, the Dean of Students and Student Activities sponsor the awards. University students, faculty and administrators nominate recipients.

Awards that were presented include:

• Edwin L. Kennedy Leadership Awards for Outstanding Community Service: Student recipients were Tara Harwood and Rachael Gowins; organization recipient was Thursday Supper Volunteer Corp
• King/Chavez/Parks Leadership Award: Carmin Brown
• Outstanding Graduate Student Leader Awards: Derek Bleyle (Masters), Angela Davis (Masters) and Traci Currie (Doctoral)
• Outstanding Program Awards: Spring 2001 - Sigma Gamma Rho Sorority, Inc. for the Virtuous Woman Conference; Fall 2001 - Alpha Psi Lambda Fraternity, Inc. for the Hispanic Heritage Month celebration; and for Winter 2002 - Circle of Friends for "Bridging the Diversity Gap."
• Outstanding Senior Leader Awards: James Hintz, James Joyce III, Michael Murphy, Douglas Rupert, Elizabeth Russell, Amy Vargas-Tonsi, Mattie White and Brooke Williams.
• Outstanding Student Organization Advisor Awards: Herman "Butch" Hill and Raymie McKerrow
• Rudy Leadership Award: Stephen Matsko
• Stonewall Leadership Award: Lauren Fisher
• John Newton Templeton Designation: James Joyce III and Mattie R. White.