A nun dedicated to helping newly arrived immigrants; a family known for its philanthropy; one of the most effective advocates for the state’s public university system; a champion of tourism; and a Nashua organization with deep community ties.

RYE — A successful businessman who served as chairman of the University System of New Hampshire’s board of trustees and the state’s Business and Industry Association joked recently about being honored with two prestigious awards this spring.

LITTLETON — Tourism, says Dick Hamilton, is all about the smiles — beginning with the welcoming smile of the host state. And if things go well, that first smile will lead to many more future visits from guests.

HOOKSETT - Decades ago, Irving Singer would bring home college students and others in need of a hot meal after synagogue on Saturdays.

NASHUA — Focusing on younger generations and the positive power of giving back, the Nashua Lions Club is evolving into a new, modern community service organization, club officials say.

MANCHESTER - Catholic nuns rarely retire. After all, a golf course in Florida and afternoon highball hardly fit the image of self denial and poverty expected of our nuns.

MANCHESTER — Selfless sacrifice in the service of country and helping some of the state’s most vulnerable citizens characterizes those honored with the 2017 edition of the Granite State Legacy Awards Wednesday night.

HOOKSETT — Alex Ray created a wildly successful, iconic restaurant and hospitality chain that has offered affordable dining and friendly service in a quintessential New Hampshire setting.

MANCHESTER — Patrick Duffy helped oversee a new airport terminal and an art museum expansion.

In 1988, Dick Rawlings started making money for people in New Hampshire as an executive in the financial services industry.

NASHUA - During an intense combat mission in Vietnam, city resident Tom Tessier promised himself that if he made it out alive, he would do something good for others.

MANCHESTER — Four individuals and one couple were honored Wednesday as recipients of the 2016 Granite State Legacy Awards.

MANCHESTER — For 48 years, the Rev. Bernard J. Campbell, OFM Cap., has ministered to the deaf, severely disabled and the incarcerated, and he’s done it with a sense of humor — and music.

WOLFEBORO — Henry Southwick Maxfield Jr. has devoted so much time, energy and money to non-profits in the Lakes Region that he truly lives out the promise of the “We Care” program he launched in 1999 to celebrate the 54th anniversary of the Lakes Region real estate firm established by his father.

BEDFORD — Richard Gustafson of Bedford, one of the most honored educators in New Hampshire, will add another accolade to his impressive resume next month when he receives a 2016 Granite State Legacy Award.

There is perhaps no better spokesman for the value that immigration can bring to New Hampshire than Nabil Migalli, a native of Egypt who has lived in Manchester for almost 35 years.

STRATHAM - Douglas and Stella Scamman, both 74, are one of New Hampshire's most prominent Republican families. They are known for hosting presidential hopefuls at their Bittersweet Farm and for serving in the state Legislature, and are lauded for their longtime commitment to public service.

MANCHESTER — Four individuals and one family were presented Wednesday with Granite State Legacy Awards, an honor that recognizes decades of devotion to New Hampshire, its way of life, and its people.

In 1978, Kim Nilsen was working as a reporter at the Coos County Democrat in Lancaster. He wrote an editorial calling for the creation of a hiking trail along the spine of northern New Hampshire.

If you're going to make a career in politics in New Hampshire, you have to be willing to face the voters - a lot.

PORTSMOUTH - Former executive councilor, state senator, state representative and current Portsmouth Housing Authority Chairman Ruth L. Griffin said: "You never retire."

Howard Brodsky finds inspiration in the Biblical story of David and Goliath.

MANCHESTER — The New Hampshire Union Leader will issue five Legacy Awards this year, recognizing decades of contributions of New Hampshire individuals and families.

MANCHESTER — In the face of adversity, determination and the love of family can overcome much, said David Nixon, one of six people honored Wednesday night with the Granite State Legacy Award.

MANCHESTER — In 1965, attorney Kimon S. Zachos was in Selma, Ala., at the height of the civil rights battle when Sheriff Jim Clark led a team of officers who used fire hoses, bullwhips and dogs on 600 peaceful marchers.

JACKSON — For the better part of his 90 years, Warren Schomaker has been able to accomplish much simply by keeping his head down and his nose to the metaphorical grindstone. For that approach to life, as well as for what he’s done along the way, he has been named a 2014 recipient of the Gran…

GREENLAND — Scott Holloway was entering his senior year at Babson College when he decided to pursue a $5,000 award presented to an aspiring young entrepreneur.

When Renee Plummer hears an idea she likes, she doesn’t just nod or make a note for later — she picks up a phone.

MANCHESTER -- A friend and colleague calls David Nixon "a guy who really appreciates people and tries very hard to help them."