Serving others with vigor and dedication, Lionel Muthiah of Mandan has devoted immense amounts of time and effort to community causes and organizations such as the United Way, the YMCA, the Kiwanis, Mayor's Prayer Breakfast, Girl Scouts, Mandan Library, Lutheran Social Services and the North Dakota Conference of Churches.

He has particularly promoted causes of social justice, ecumenism and diversity through his work with the International Club, the Week of Christian Unity, Reading Is Fundamental, the Martin Luther King Jr. Holiday Commission and many others, receiving many awards for his efforts.

A retired United Methodist pastor, Muthiah and his wife, Marion, have set an example of selfless and generous community service, promoted understanding, inclusion and diversity, and encouraged the building of relationships among religious, racial and ethnic groups.

- Karen Herzog