Alan Henderson, a health science professor at Cal State Long Beach, has been recognized by the American Cancer Society (ACS) with the St. George National Award, the ACS’ most important and prestigious award conferred to volunteers.
Each year, the award is given out to a volunteer who has shown dedication and has represented the objectives set forth by the ACS to combat cancer. The award is bestowed to an outstanding ACS division (state) volunteer in recognition of exemplary service to the ACS.
In order to be nominated for the national award, volunteers need to have served at least six consecutive years in a leadership position within the ACS, as well as have made an important contribution and impact on the advancement of the ACS’ aims and strategic goals in fighting cancer.
Shortly after receiving the St. George National Award, Henderson said he was truly grateful for being bestowed with the award.
“It’s very flattering to be given this award, mostly because volunteers who have received this award in the past have proven to be excellent individuals who have committed themselves to cancer control,” Henderson said.
After hearing he had been nominated for the award from a regent in Los Angeles, Henderson said he was surprised and amazed for simply being placed in the same category as other volunteers who have contributed so much to the ACS.
“My nomination was based on the cumulative efforts that I have participated in and completed throughout the years. The volunteers who are nominated are people who have a lot of merit in being eligible for this award,” he said.
Henderson has been a health science professor at CSULB for the past two decades. He also served as department chair briefly during the late 1980s. Starting in 1987, he began his involvement with the ACS and has committed his volunteer time to providing information and resources to individuals and professionals to further promote cancer awareness.
He started by serving the Long Beach ACS unit board of directors. From there on, his involvement extended to serving unit committees for numerous activities, and eventually the unit president.
After his involvement with local committees and units, he was nominated for division president and presided over the state leadership. He was elected president for the division from 1997 to 1998. Henderson cites the passing on Proposition 10, the 50-cent tax on tobacco products, as one of the most important accomplishments while he was at the helm of the division presidency.
“I think this award demonstrates Alan Henderson’s outstanding dedication and service to promotion of health and education. Alan has been a leader in the health science pepartment, in the College of Health and Human Services, and in the community. I believe Alan exemplifies excellence in teaching and community service – he has been an exceptional colleague,” said health science professor Stephanie Eatmon.
Dale Evans, a health science professor and Henderson’s colleague within the ACS, said the award is a resemblance to all the great contributions he has done for the ACS.
“He is very deserving of this award. He has been volunteering in his area of interest. It’s something that he really enjoys doing,” Evans said.
He has known Henderson for more than 25 years and has worked alongside him through ACS for almost 15 years. He said the St. George Award is a reflection of the level of the faculty and the university as a whole.
“It’s always nice to have someone who is on our faculty receive this award. It’s a reflection of those faculty members who have contributed in giving back to society through volunteering,” Evans said.
“This award brings to light the efforts made by all faculty members and the university in providing cancer awareness. It’s a positive sign and a great deal of pride,” Henderson said.
