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Rob McMahon, president of Pinnacle Marine Corp., has become a “true leader” of the club, sharing his time and talent, since becoming a board member in 1999, said Kevin Johnston, the club’s executive director.
Tom Thibodeau, an associate professor of religious studies at Viterbo, supports the community and its youth in many ways, Johnston said.
The honorees were announced Tuesday at the Terry Erickson Club at 1331 Clinton St. The awards will be presented May 9 at the 23rd annual Wall of Fame Recognition Dinner in the Valhalla Room of Cartwright Center at University of Wisconsin-La Crosse.
McMahon’s father, the late Dr. Robert E. McMahon Sr., was a club board member and past board president, and was inducted into the Wall of Fame in 1987. McMahon’s induction marks the second multi-generation family appearing on the wall.
“He gave me the background to give back to the community and taught me that one of the greatest spots to do so is with the young people,” McMahon said. “Every year, the club’s seven sites give kids a great, positive place to hang out after school.”
McMahon said he was humbled by the award and looks forward to his continued involvement.
He and his wife, Kristin, have one son.
Thibodeau recalled a La Crosse Community Foundation grant awarded two years ago that allowed him to teach servant leadership to 12 children and four staff members at the Amie L. Mathy Center Boys & Girls Club on the Viterbo University campus.
The course allowed him to connect with neighborhood children during 12 weeks of lessons and concluded with dinner in the board room with then Viterbo President Bill Medland.
“It showed the kids that they belong on a college campus and in the board room,” Thibodeau said. “The children from the neighborhood are the future of La Crosse.”
Thibodeau said the award was unexpected but welcome.
“It recognizes that since 1973, I have been directly involved with young people,” he said.
Thibodeau and his wife, Priscilla, have three daughters.
Autumn Grooms can be reached at (608) 791-8424 or agrooms@lacrossetribune.com.
