The International Town & Gown Association (ITGA) honored outstanding individuals and organizations during its annual awards ceremony held on Thursday, May 21, at the 2026 ITGA City & University Relations Conference in College Station, Texas. The ceremony celebrated those whose leadership, service, and innovation have made a significant impact on town-gown relations and strengthened connections between colleges, universities, and their host communities.
The awards were presented during the conference business luncheon, which brought together participants from across the United States, United Kingdom and Canada. The event provided a warm and celebratory atmosphere that reflected ITGA’s mission of fostering collaboration between communities and institutions of higher education.
Several prestigious awards were presented during the ceremony:
Exemplary Service Award
Lieutenant Mike Lewis of the City of Kent Police Department received the Exemplary Service Award in recognition of his passion for showcasing the best of both the city and the university. An invaluable educator and deeply respected community member, Lt. Lewis exemplifies outstanding service, generosity, and leadership through his commitment to creating positive experiences for students, residents, and visitors alike.
Community Partner Award
James Gregory, founder of Families Against Violence, received the Community Partner Award. Following the heartbreaking loss of his son to gang violence, Gregory transformed personal tragedy into a powerful force for community change. Through mentorship, education, and youth engagement initiatives, Families Against Violence has created opportunities for young people to reject violence and build brighter futures, making a lasting impact on communities throughout Manchester.
Presidential Excellence Award
The Presidential Excellence Award was presented to Todd Kamanash, Associate Dean of Students for Conduct and Community Engagement at Kent State University. The award recognizes exceptional achievement in advancing community engagement, partnership development, and innovation in town-gown relations.
“Being recognized with the 2026 ITGA Presidential Excellence Award,” said Kamenash, “is so meaningful because it can only happen through making connections with real people trying to solve the problems of our times. To be identified as a person who prioritizes community, collaboration, production, and professionalism feels validating because, like our city and university communities, it cannot be done in a silo. Knowing that I’ve had a positive impact motivates me to continue learning and growing.”
Emerging Professional Award
Dr. Jason Edwards received the Emerging Professional Award for his strong commitment to fostering successful collaboration between the university and the wider community. An innovative and impactful emerging leader, Dr. Edwards has demonstrated a consistent dedication to building partnerships and creating positive outcomes that embody the spirit of town-gown collaboration.
Reflecting on the significance of the awards, Cooper Healey, ITGA Past-President, said, “The 2026 awards underscore the essential role of stakeholders in enhancing the quality of life in college towns. ITGA is proud to honor those who have made a difference and looks forward to continuing its tradition of recognizing the exemplary work of our members.”
In addition to celebrating this year’s recipients, ITGA leadership highlighted the importance of recognizing innovative partnerships and honoring the individuals and organizations whose work strengthens relationships between colleges, universities, and their communities. The awards serve as a reminder of the transformative impact that collaboration, service, and community engagement can have in creating thriving college towns around the world.