Norm Rex Named Distinguished Citizen of the Year

Norman J. Rex, educator and Ada community leader, was named Distinguished Citizen of the Year at the 41st annual Town and Gown Banquet Monday night.

A 1956 graduate of Ohio Northern University, Rex taught industrial arts at Ada High School before completing graduate work at Ohio University, Athens. He returned to Ada High School as coordinator of the industrial vocational department, and then served as associate professor of industrial technology at ONU from 1967 to 1981. In 1981 he became dean and professor of engineering and industrial technologies at Lima Technical College, now Rhodes State College.

In addition he found time to serve five terms on Ada Village Council, serving as council president and filling the position of mayor. Currently he is president of the Ada Community Improvement Corporation. He and his wife Kay, recently celebrated 50 years of marriage. They are the parents of four children and grandparents of six.

The Town and Gown Association was established in 1957 by a group of townspeople and ONU personnel whose primary interest was to develop and maintain a strong positive relationship between Ada and Ohio Northern University.

The Town and Gown Association was reactivated in 1988 after 10 years of inactivity. The association’s goal continues to be promoting harmony and good will between townspeople and the university. The association hosts its annual banquet to honor newcomers to the community and to name the Distinguished Citizen of the Year.

Sponsoring organizations include the Ada Education Association, Ada Ministerial Association, Ada Senior Citizens, Chamber of Commerce, Jr. Civic League, Kiwanis, Lions Club, Ohio Northern University, ONU Women, Quatre Club, Rotary Club, Twice Ten Club and Village of Ada.

Published: Sat, 10/07/2006 - 12:00am