The Greater West Chester Chamber of Commerce is shining a spotlight on local faces that make Chester County “a better, brighter place to live,” and this year the late Robert Lukens, Ph.D and the Chester County Fund for Women and Girls are being acknowledged.

The two honorees will be recognized at the GWCC Annual Banquet on Tuesday, February 2, at The Desmond Hotel in Malvern.

Lukens, whose enthusiasm for preserving history was known by many, will be honored with the 2015 Outstanding Citizen of the Year Award. Robert’s wife, Rebecca, will accept the award on his behalf. The Chester County Fund for Women and Girls will receive the 2015 Community Service Award.

The annual celebration starts with a 5:30 p.m. cocktail hour, followed by dinner at 6:45.

Lukens served as the president of the Chester County Historical Society for four years. He brought the organization to the forefront of the public’s attention and sparked a $3 million fundraising effort to completely renovate CCHS’ galleries.

“Clearly, Rob’s passion and love for this community led him to accomplish a great deal in a short time,” GWCC President Mark Yoder said. “His achievements and our memories of him will be with us for a long time.”

Meanwhile, the Chester County Fund for Women and Girls also funneled renewed energy into its outreach to women and girls last year through a “bold” and “innovative” new mission and three-year strategic plan.

“We are truly inspired by their spirit,” Yoder said.

The CCFWG is well-known for its longstanding leadership role in philanthropy and advocacy on behalf of women and girls, continually identifying and addressing their most critical needs.

Both recipients exemplify the Chamber’s commitment to helping entrepreneurs, businesses and organizations transform the heart of Chester County into a thriving community by linking arms with fellow leaders and overcoming challenges.

The GWCC will also introduce an up-and-coming leader from Henderson High School and Jr. Outstanding Citizen of the Year honoree, Emily Kelly.

Banquet tickets are available online through Monday here.