Spurgus receives Athena Award at banquet

LANCASTER – A Lancaster woman who oversees a local information technology firm was named as the recipient of this year's Athena Award on Thursday evening and credited her family for empowering her in being able to give back to others.

Diana Spurgus, the CEO of Business System Solutions Inc., received the award given out by the Lancaster-Fairfield County Chamber of Commerce at the Lancaster Country Club as members of the community and her family looked on. The award is presented each year for the winner's professional excellence, community service and efforts assisting women in their own attainment of professional excellence and leadership skills, according to the chamber.

Spurgus also is the author of two books. She said she believes in giving back to others, noting that her family has been an important part of that.

"Everything that we do in terms of giving back or supporting nonprofits or doing whatever we do, we couldn't do it without our team and provide services to companies. That helps us generate our revenue to contribute to the economy," Spurgus said. "My family has been supportive of the 80-some hours that I work a week and support all the efforts that I do."

Spurgus was quick to point out why she feels giving back in her own community is so important to her, adding that she hopes other people will do the same whenever they can.

"I think it's because I had a very difficult childhood growing up and I'm very, very successful. I think I've really done a lot that I owe it back to the community to say thanks for every opportunity and support that I received as I was growing up," she said.

Spurgus said that she encourages people to "follow their heart and to follow their passion and to think about giving back to the community because they're also very, very blessed," adding that she feels people need to help others who are in need.

"I want to positively affect everyone that I come and encounter with and helping people be the best they can be," she said.

The award was first sponsored by Robert D. McGraw 30 years ago, and his descendants continue the tradition today. John McGraw presented the award to Spurgus.

Alyssa Bateson, a senior at Ohio University-Lancaster who is pursuing a bachelor's degree in social work, was named the recipient of the Emerging Athena award during Thursday's event. Bateson, who said she was honored to receive the award, also said she believes in giving back to others.

"I think if we can all help out and do something little everyday, it makes a difference. Every little bit helps," Bateson said.