2010 marked the 25th anniversary and final year of the Nancy Susan Reynolds Awards.

A founding Board Member, President and lifetime Trustee of the Z. Smith Reynolds Foundation, Nancy Susan Reynolds believed people should take risks, have the patience to make mistakes, learn from these experiences, and strengthen their resolve and skills for the benefit of North Carolina.

When Nancy Susan Reynolds, daughter of R.J. Reynolds and Katherine Smith Reynolds, died in 1985, the Foundation’s Trustees established the Nancy Susan Reynolds Awards for exemplary and often unrecognized leadership in North Carolina communities.

For 25 years, the Nancy Susan Reynolds Awards recognized the unsung heroes of North Carolina whose vision, determination, resourcefulness and strength of character caused them to make a positive difference in the state.   Often, these contributions came at great personal and/or professional sacrifices, and this award sought to honor those sacrifices in a small way.

Up to three awards were presented annually, one in each of the following categories: Advocacy, Personal Service, and Race Relations.  Selection of the award recipients was made by the Foundation’s State Advisory Panel based on nominations from individuals across the state. 

Each award was accompanied by a grant of $25,000, of which $5,000 was awarded to the recipient and $20,000 was distributed to tax-exempt, charitable, North Carolina organizations selected by the recipient. 

The Foundation’s trustees decided to make the 25th anniversary of the Awards the capstone year.  We hope you will enjoy viewing videos of the past honorees and find their stories and their passion inspiring.