2022 Walter L. Williams Award for Excellence

The 2022 Walter L. Williams Award for Excellence is Irwin Strong. Irwin has been the Floor Tech at the Pitt County main office building for the past ten years, and his range of work is broad. He does upkeep on the 5-story building floors, planning meticulously around high-traffic times to minimize interruptions. He is always willing to take on responsibilities outside his regular job description, taking all the trash outside to the dumpsters for the housekeepers nightly since the trash bin sits atop a rugged hill. Irwin is also a great mechanic and helps keep the cleaning equipment operating. He ensures all tasks are complete and all doors are locked if the supervisor is absent. His attendance is always good, and he projects a positive attitude daily.

Congratulations to Irwin Strong for being awarded The 2022 Walter L. Williams Foundation Award for Excellence for Distinguished Service for his strong work ethic, dedication, and dependability.

Walter L. Williams Award for Excellence

In February 2021, the ECVC Foundation Board established the Walter L. Williams Award in memory of Mr. Walter L. Williams, an ECVC Foundation Board member since 2011. Mr. Williams developed a remarkable work ethic while working on his family farm. After a twenty-nine-year career with an oil company, he started a new gasoline and convenience store chain, Trade Oil Company. Mr. Williams believed in rolling his sleeves up, helping build and install tanks and piping where needed.

Mr. Williams loved Eastern North Carolina and believed strongly in giving back to his community. The STEPP program at ECU was started due to his generosity, allowing students with disabilities to earn undergraduate degrees. He gave generously of his time serving on several boards.