OGDEN -- At halftime of the Weber State Basketball Alumni Classic on Saturday night, members of the Ogden City Council presented former Weber State Wildcat and current Portland Trail Blazer Damian Lillard with the Compass Award, making him the first recipient of the honor.
"I can't think of a better person to give this first award to," Vice Chair Ken Richey said. "Dame has done so much for the Ogden community and continually shows his loyalty to Weber State and the city. His impact is massive and it's only going to continue. He's more than deserving and it was truly an honor for all of us to be there with him on the floor of the Dee Events Center to express our gratitude."
Among many accomplishments, Lillard is a seven-time NBA All-Star, seven-time All-NBA honoree, and Olympic gold medalist. In the NBA All-Star Weeknd hosted in Salt Lake City this past February, Lillard won the NBA Three-Point Shooting Contest while wearing a Weber State jersey to pay homage to his alma mater.
The presentation included a crystal trophy, certificate of recognition, and painted fiberglass horse, a miniature version of the iconic horses displayed throughout Ogden city during the summer months. The trophy is engraved with the same compass design found carved into the dais of the City Council Chambers. The plaster horse was painted by local artist Cole Eisenhower and features various portraits of Lillard on a purple background with the Weber State wildcat logo.
Photo courtesy of Robert Casey, Weber State University Athletics
Part of the certificate of recognition states, "Lillard's impact transcends boundaries, leaving an enduring imprint on the fabric of the Ogden community. His unwavering loyalty and relentless commitment have fostered an unparalleled sense of pride and unity among our residents, establishing him as an enduring ambassador for Weber State and Ogden City for years to come."
Lillard shook the hands of the Council members and expressed his gratitude for the recognition.
The Compass Award is a rarely presented recognition given to individuals, groups, or organizations whose collective contributions consistently went above and beyond expectations and have benefitted the citizens or the city significantly. Recipients of the award exemplify and embody a strong sense of volunteerism, civic pride or commitment to bettering the community demonstrated over time. They demonstrate exceptional leadership and service to the community, making Ogden City a better place to live. The Council determines who receives or is eligible for the award. There is no formal nomination or application process.
Photo courtesy of the Ogden City Council office
Council Staff contact: Brandon Garside, Communications Manager | 801-629-8103 | brandong@ogdencity.com