Terri DeCenzo receives Zonta honor

Terri DeCenzo was to be honored with the Zonta's Gold Star Award on April 25, 2015, for her work to advance women's causes. Zonta also presented a check to Women In Philanthropy and Leadership for $1,000 for a scholarship to a CCU student.

The Gold Star Award is given to women who show exemplary service in their communities. According to Ruth Walker, Zonta president, DeCenzo received the award for her leadership role as executive director of Women in Philanthropy and Leadership for Coastal Carolina University (WIPL) and for her service to the community.. ‌

She is married to Coastal Carolina University President David A. DeCenzo. When he joined CCU in 2002, she became passionately involved with the life of the university. She has taken an active role in issues relating to student government, leadership, NCAA athletics and Greek life, among others. She has been instrumental in bringing highly successful women leaders in business, politics and education to campus to speak and inspire women in the CCU community.

Since she began her tenure as executive director of WIPL in 2007, the organization has awarded more than $140,000 in scholarships to 102 deserving CCU students.

Founded in 1919, Zonta International is a global organization of executives and professionals working together to advance the status of women worldwide through service and advocacy.