Judge Weikert named first recipient of Sr. M. Adrian Davis Leadership Award
Former Dubois County Circuit Court Judge William Weikert was named the first recipient of the Sister M. Adrian Davis, LCM, Leadership Award.
The perpetual award was established in honor of Sr. M. Adrian Davis, LCM, and her leadership as Memorial Hospital and Health Care Center’s Chairperson of the Board. She also served as the hospital president/CEO from 1992 to 1998.
She led the transformation of Memorial Hospital to what it is today but also defined what leadership could and should be.
The community award is open to anyone in the eight counties served by the hospital, to not only honor Sr. Adrian, but to recognize individuals whose leadership has made a difference in the lives of others.
On Wednesday, January 7, 2015, at the annual Foundation Dinner, Judge William E. Weikert was named the first recipient of the award.
Leadership characteristics of Sr. Adrian which became the criteria for this award are:
- It is not about a title, but perhaps someone who actively promotes a cause. Like a champion who fights for the poor, unprotected, and underprivileged.
- Someone who leads by example.
- Someone who thinks for himself/herself.
- Someone who challenges the status quo; who thinks outside the box.
- Someone who puts others before self.
- Someone with vision.
- Someone who serves others.
The selection committee solicited nominations through groups, church bulletins, and other media and was pleasantly surprised at the number and quality of the nominations.
After extensive discussion and review of the candidates and the nominations, the committee recognized Weikert as its first “Sr. M. Adrian Davis, LCM Leadership Award” recipient because he is an individual who truly has the respect of our larger community, who truly leads by example, advocates for those most vulnerable and in need, and he has done this for a long time in his own humble and quiet way.
Judge Weikert has earned area-wide community respect as a judge of the Dubois Count Circuit Court for the last 17 years, 18 years as prosecutor and as an attorney with a passion for family law. Weikert was always instrumental in programs involving/protecting and aiding children. He actively led the Court Appointed Special Advocate (CASA) program, and was involved with Crisis Connection and Children In need of Service.
He has taken extraordinary interest and a great deal of personal time to make sure that these projects are successful, including personally recruiting community volunteers to serve as advocates for these children. He has led by example.
Judge Weikert is also a veteran and served on active duty in the U.S. Army and 28 years in the Army Reserves in numerous leadership roles including Commander of Jasper Group, Battalion Commander of Jasper/Terre Haute. He retired as a Lt. Colonel in 1998. His reserve service included numerous assignments in Korea and deployment to Bosnia in 1996.
Judge Weikert’s entire career defines service and leadership. In the true spirit of Sr. Adrian, Weikert is a guide for all to follow in how to make a positive difference in the lives of others. Like Sister, Judge William E. Weikert is a moral compass who has given strong direction to help many children and families in the Hospital’s service area, and Memorial Hospital Foundation is pleased to name him the award’s first recipient.
