Encyclopedia Dubuque
"Encyclopedia Dubuque is the online authority for all things Dubuque, written by the people who know the city best.”
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Affiliated with the Local History Network of the State Historical Society of Iowa, and the Iowa Museum Association.
MERRITT, Jacqueline
MERRITT, Jacqueline. (Dubuque, IA- ). Recipient, FIRST CITIZEN AWARD in 1978. Merritt, the first woman to receive the First Citizen Award, joined with others in 1970 to form the Five Flags Civic Center Committee. She served as chairwoman of the Five Flags Building Committee and FIVE FLAGS CIVIC CENTER executive committee. Merritt also served on the governing boards of AREA RESIDENTIAL CARE, INC., UNIVERSITY OF DUBUQUE, Mercy Medical Center, Dubuque-Jackson County Mental Health Center, DUBUQUE SYMPHONY ORCHESTRA, and FIRST NATIONAL BANK OF DUBUQUE.
Merritt was responsible for beginning the Dubuque Retired Senior Volunteer Program (RSVP) and was active with the United Way, Foster Grandparent Advisory Board, VISITING NURSE ASSOCIATION and the Iowa Association of Retarded Citizens. In the fall of 1977, Merritt was named chairperson of the Iowa Alliance for Arts Education Committee of Arts for the Handicapped. In 1977 Merritt received the Distinguished Service Award from the Dubuque JAYCEES. In 1978 she was presented the City Council Outstanding Service Award.