AARP DC 2019 Andrus Award winner

Washington, DC — AARP DC is pleased to announce that Wendellene Dupree has been selected as the recipient of the 2019 Andrus Award for Community Service, the Association’s most prestigious volunteer award.

Named after AARP’s founder, Dr. Ethel Percy Andrus, the Award honors outstanding individuals whose volunteer work has improved the community, supported AARP’s vision and mission, and inspired other volunteers. Every year AARP state offices across the country and in the U.S. territories choose an Andrus Award winner based on their accomplishments and commitment.

In honor of this esteemed recognition, Mrs. Dupree has selected the United Negro College Fund for a $1,000 contribution which AARP DC will make on her behalf. UNCF’s mission is to build a robust and nationally-recognized pipeline of under-represented students who, because of UNCF support, become highly-qualified college graduates.

About Wendellene Dupree

A long-time District resident, Wendellene Dupree had a 30+ year career as a civil servant in the federal government, working in administrative and budgetary roles. A self-described “number cruncher,” Mrs. Dupree retired in 2014 and quickly became an active and engaged member of the Penn-Branch AARP Chapter #3473.

For the AARP Chapter, she is Chair of the hospitality committee, greeting Chapter members with a smile and making folks feel welcome and wanted. She purchases and prepares healthy snacks that she and her committee serve to over 100 Chapter members at any given meeting. Sometimes the food she prepares might be all a Senior has that day.

In addition, she supports the Travel Committee and Chapter Christmas committee where she is in charge of organizing volunteers for the Penn-Branch AARP Chapter’s holiday luncheon.

Mrs. Dupree is also active as a volunteer at New Bethel Baptist Church, where she has served in leadership roles that include a Sunday school teacher, culinary ministry and youth choir.

Mrs. Dupree notes,” My father always said, ‘When you frown, you get wrinkles’ so I try to always smile. Volunteering makes me feel that I have a purpose. I like meeting new people, and sharing with them a smile and wishes for a nice day.”

This year, Mrs. Dupree celebrated 40 years of marriage with her husband, Mr. John Dupree, whom she credits for always encouraging and supporting her in her volunteer service.

Mrs. Dupree, we thank you for your service to our community!