Neil MacNaughton Honored With Karen Evans Immigrant Champion Award
Nov 29, 2018 | University Relations staff
DUBUQUE, Iowa – Neil MacNaughton, PhD, associate professor and assistant head of the University of Dubuque Nursing Department, received the Karen Evans Immigrant Champion Award at the 11th annual Immigrant Entrepreneurs Summit held Nov. 17, 2018, at Des Moines Area Community College - Ankeny Campus. The award is given to a non-immigrant who is dedicated to making a positive impact on the immigrant community.
MacNaughton was recognized for his dedication to the immigrant community by practicing and living the idea that everyone deserves dignity of primary and preventative healthcare, according to a press release from Immigrant Entrepreneurs Summit.
“I am very humbled and honored to accept this award. However, I would not have this except for the support of my wife, family, University of Dubuque colleagues, and numerous community members. I am privileged to work with great people and I am grateful to work with my friends in the Marshallese and Pacific Islander communities,” MacNaughton said.
From his time as a Peace Corps volunteer in Micronesia, to serving as a delegate to the American Pacific Nurse Leadership Council (APNCL), to his role today as professor and community activist on behalf of the Marshallese and other immigrant groups in Dubuque, MacNaughton consistently works to ensure access to healthcare for all. As one of the founding members of the Dubuque Marshallese Healthcare Initiative, he has been at the forefront of ensuring the Marshallese residents of Dubuque receive access to healthcare services they need.
MacNaughton was one of four honored by the Board of the Immigrant Entrepreneurs Summit (IES) this year. Award winners were recognized in the following categories: Immigrant Entrepreneur Leadership Award, Outstanding Immigrant Business Award, Karen Evans Immigrant Champion Award, and Immigrant Spirit Award.
The mission of IES is to bring businesses of diverse backgrounds together to share, learn, and celebrate the immigrant entrepreneurship experience and its contribution to the overall community. The summit exhibited the success stories of immigrant entrepreneurs. In addition, business owners shared ideas for business growth and their keys to success.
