SHEPHERDSTOWN — For Shepherdstown Mayor Jim Auxer, receiving recognition for his service to the community has never been his goal in life. But his lifelong service to both the Shepherdstown and Shepherd University communities has not gone unnoticed.

On Oct. 26, Auxer was honored during the 2018 Shepherd University Athletic Hall of Fame banquet, being given the 2018 Medallion Award. Auxer, who is a Shepherd University 1969 alumnus, played as a four-year middle guard starter on the Rams football team and has continued to give back to the university since then, as a member of the Shepherd University Foundation Board of Directors and Shepherd University Alumni Association president.

“You kind of volunteer your time to the university, and because the town and university have a symbiotic relationship, it strengthens the town-gown relationship,” Auxer said, mentioning one of the many reasons being on the board has been a good thing for the town and the university. “I think community service is the theme. The theme of Shepherdstown is ‘for the common good,’ for both the town and university.

“I’m invested in the town and the university. I love Shepherdstown. I’m honored to be the mayor,” Auxer said.

As mayor, Auxer has served the community for 15 years, from 2000 to 2004 and from 2008 to the present. Auxer has not only strengthened the relationship between Shepherdstown and Shepherd University, but he has also improved the functioning of Town Hall since he first became mayor.

“When I first started here back in 2000, they got money out of the parking meters on Fridays to make payroll,” Auxer said, as one example of the things he has improved. However, Auxer said his accomplishments are all the result of the community’s participation in the life of the town.

“I’ve gotten a lot of help and cooperation from the town, the employees–people have been very supportive. It’s all the people that move you forward — people have helped me to get where we are now. It’s not me, it’s them,” Auxer said. “We wouldn’t have all these parades and events in Shepherdstown if we didn’t have volunteers.”

Despite his humility, the work Auxer has accomplished was also recently recognized by the Association of Fundraising Professionals on National Philanthropy Day. On Nov. 16, Auxer was awarded the “Loyal” Distinguished Volunteer award, because he “wholeheartedly gives of his time and talent. Shepherd University is fortunate to have Mayor Jim Auxer as a loyal friend, advisor and supporter,” according to the AFP — Virginia Tri-State Board of Directors.