CHARLESTON - After accepting the 2011 Outstanding Citizen of the Year Award on Saturday, Mike Murray didn't have to look too far to point out a person who inspired him.

His father, Winston Murray, was at the table Saturday with his son, and the elder Murray won the outstanding citizen award in 2008 at Dixon, Ill. Mike Murray was recognized Saturday by the Charleston Area Chamber of Commerce during its annual dinner in the Eastern Illinois University Martin Luther King Jr. Union Grand Ballroom

"He set a standard of leadership by example for me," said Mike Murray, who was recognized for his volunteer work with many organizations, including his efforts to bring together key stakeholders for development of the Coles Community Health Program.

But Murray had other people who helped show him how to achieve excellence for helping the community. And two of them were icons in the Charleston community.

"Merv Baker taught me discipline and how to expect the best," Murray said of the late legendary Charleston High School coach.

Murray, who was a star basketball player at CHS, recalled how Baker had him dribbling a basketball to school as part of a continuous regimen of practicing to be the best in a sport.

Marvin Smith, who was principal at CHS when Murray was a student there, also provided a benchmark. Smith earned the outstanding citizen award for his community leadership, Murray said.

"He influenced my life from the start and I owe much to him," Murray said of the late educator.

Murray said the award he accepted from the Charleston chamber is not just for him, but all the volunteers he has worked with over the years, including those associated with the community health program, which was named the 2010 Illinois Outstanding Philanthropic Organization by an area chapter of the Association of Fundraising Professionals. The health center helps individuals with little or no access to health care.

"The people that made this happen are the Coles Community Health Program board members. This project is what volunteerism is all about. You recognized the need in a community and you go do something," Murray said. "I didn't have to twist arms to get this done."

After he left Charleston for college in Iowa, Murray went to the West Coast for different career opportunities. He returned to Coles County in 1995 to marry his high school sweetheart, Libby. Together, they developed M & L Properties for housing to university students.

Murray has worked with different health care organizations affiliated with the Carle system over the past 13 years. He has been active with the Eastern Panther Club, the Mattoon Area Family YMCA, Coles County Council on Aging and Tarble Arts Center, as well as his church, Immanuel Lutheran.

Reflecting on the importance of stepping forward, Murray recalled the inspiring words he learned from a president who took office 50 years this month.

"Ask not what the community can do for you, but what you can do for the community," Murray said.

The Chamber also Kelly Morecraft as Diplomat of the Year for her work with the Chamber Ambassadors group and dedication to helping the community.

Contact Herb Meeker at hmeeker@jg-tc.com or 238-6869.