Celebration of Leadership

What is COL?

Celebration of Leadership (COL) is a remarkably diverse and inclusive annual event whereby Leadership Everyone publicly seeks out and honors individuals, projects, programs, business, and organizations who make significant, collaborative contributions that improve and transform community in the Evansville region.

Who are the Nominees?

Our nominees represent all walks of life across our Region. Check out the full list of this year’s and past nominees here!

View photos from our 2025 Nominee Party here!

See our Nominees

How Do I Nominate?

Nominate anytime throughout the year for the event the following March. Head to our Nominations page for FAQs!

Nominations for COL2026 are due December 5, 2025. Any nominations received after this date will be used the following year. Note that the deadline this year is earlier than previous years.

Nominate Now

Who are the Recipients? How are they Selected?

A diverse panel of 10-20 volunteer community members from the Evansville region scores each nomination based on how it meets the criteria outlined by the nomination questions. Multiple nominations per nominee do not increase the chance of an award.

Recipients are not notified ahead of time—they are announced at the event!

See a list of previous recipients here.

2025 Lifetime Achievement Award Recipients

Learn about each of our Lifetime Achievement Award recipients from 2025!

How Do We Celebrate?

Every March, the community comes together to celebrate both nominees and recipients! The 31st Annual Celebration of Leadership will take place on March 18, 2026. Get tickets now!

View Photos from Past Events

Get Tickets to COL!

Nominee Party

Nominees are invited to a party to meet, greet, and celebrate before the event. If you are a nominee, RSVP here!

RSVP to the Nominee Party

Thank you to our Sponsors

We are so grateful to all the organizations and individuals who make COL possible! We could not do it without YOU.

Help us continue Celebration of Leadership and all our other programs by donating today!

Donate to LE

Interested in advertising in our program? Learn more here!

News

Leadership Everyone Invites Public to Nominate Servant Leaders for 31st Annual Award Ceremony

EVANSVILLE, IN, October 6, 2025—Leadership Everyone (LE) is again seeking nominations for its 31st Annual Celebration of Leadership Awards Ceremony (COL) for individuals (including youth), programs, projects and organizations who make significant, collaborative...

Leadership Everyone Celebrated Year, Elected New Board, and Honored CEO

EVANSVILLE, IN—Leadership Everyone (LE) reflected on another successful year of engaging regional servant leaders and fostering community growth during its Annual Meeting held on May 14, 2025, at the Kramer Pavilion Conference Room at Deaconess Orthopedic Neuroscience...

30th Annual Celebration of Leadership Highlights Regional Servant Leaders

EVANSVILLE, IN, MARCH 18, 2025—Leadership Everyone (LE) held its 30th Annual Celebration of Leadership (COL) at Old National Events Plaza on Tuesday night. Presented by title sponsor Fifth Third Bank, the event recognized and celebrated the innovative, collaborative,...