Charlemagne award winner taken by surprise

St. Charles' annual Charlemagne Award is always a surprise to the winner before the actual name is announced. But the 2009 recipient of the community's highest recognition of lifetime volunteer work and business success was not a surprising choice to the audience Friday night.

A packed St. Charles County Club stood and applauded, whistled and even shook pompons for Sue McDowell as a look of shock sprang up on her face.

"I thought I was too young for this," McDowell joked upon receiving the award. "I'm just surprised, shocked and amazed."

McDowell received the award in recognition of her creation and managing of the St. Charles Fine Art Show, service and leadership on every committee at the Downtown St. Charles Partnership and the St. Charles Chamber of Commerce. McDowell is also a former local Small Business of the Year award winner and was instrumental in the creation of the St. Charles Heritage Center.

The presentation included a humorous slide show of the many fashion transformations McDowell has had over the years. Fashion is both her trademark and her professional background.

McDowell recognized her family for helping her throughout the years and molding her into the person she is.

"And I'm not done yet," she said of her future aspirations.

In turn, McDowell's husband, Bob, told the audience that his wife's selflessness is one of the many reasons he loves her.

"I just love you for everything you do," Bob McDowell said. "We would never want you to do anything different."

Sue McDowell is the 43rd recipient of the award.