News Article

Edison State College Foundation Honors Myra Janco Daniels with 2010 Holland T. Salley Leadership in Fostering Education (LIFE) Award

Feb 18, 2010

~Award recognizes individuals who have made outstanding contributions to education in the community~

Myra Janco Daniels, founder, chairman and CEO of the Philharmonic Center for the Arts has been awarded the 2010 Holland T. Salley Leadership in Fostering Education (LIFE) Award. The award, presented earlier today at a luncheon event held by the Edison State College Foundation at the Naples Grande Beach Resort, recognizes individuals who have made outstanding contributions toward advancing educational opportunities in the community.  Close to 200 community members attended the event.

 “The Edison State College Foundation – Collier Campus is proud to honor Myra Janco Daniels for her distinguished service and contributions to education in Collier County,” said Collier Campus President, Dr. Jeffrey Allbritten.  “Mrs. Daniels has provided outstanding educational opportunities to so many at Edison State College and in our community.”

The Edison State College Foundation says Daniels was also selected for the exemplary citizen leadership she has provided by promoting and supporting educational arts and culture experiences for young people in Collier County. Mrs. Daniels has been instrumental in developing major musical programs in Collier County such as the Philharmonic Youth Chorale, Philharmonic Youth Orchestra, Philharmonic Youth Symphonia, Family Fun and Learning, Kindermusik® Adventures Camp for newborns through age six and Master Classes for adults.

During her acceptance speech, Mrs. Daniels commented on the evolution of Edison State College as an institution. “When I came to this community, Edison was a store front. This school has grown so much. When you have 20,000 students who can get affordable educations, there is no reason for anyone not to be educated in this community.”  When thanked for providing many Edison State College students with opportunities to attend performances at the Philharmonic Center of the Arts, a first-time experience for many students, she said “I believe there is no greater joy than the art of giving.  I am so proud of this school.”

Education has been a priority in Daniels’ personal and professional life. She was the first woman to be named professor of Marketing at the School of Business at Indiana University. She held a six-year associate professorship in Marketing, taught in the University’s MBA program and directed an internship program in publishing sponsored by the Ford Foundation. Daniels was also instrumental in inaugurating the Marketing and Advertising programs now offered at Indiana State University.

Past recipients of this recognition are Holland Salley (2003), Edward A. Morton (2004), Fred Pezeshkan (2005), Judy Sproul (2006), Raymond L. Lutgert and Scott F. Lutgert (2007), Adria Starkey (2008) and J. Dudley Goodlette (2009).

For media inquiries contact Nicole Flesvig (239) 732-3710 nflesvig@edison.edu

About Edison State College:  Edison State College is Southwest Florida’s largest, most established, most accessible and most affordable school of higher education serving more than 20,000 students in 5 counties with campuses in Lee, Collier and Charlotte, and a center serving Hendry/Glades.  Many classes are available online.

Last Updated: July 8, 2020