Brodie Hamilton and Sharon Schauer - 2025 (Citizen of the year)
Sharon Schauer and Brodie Hamilton were chosen together for this award as they are partners in life and partners in their community engagement.
“Together they are a force of nature in Davis, combining philanthropy, leadership and hundreds of hours of hands-on volunteer work,” said their nominator, Chuck Cunningham. “Theirs is a true partnership and well deserving of the recognition that the Covell Award bestows.”
Schauer has served for nine years as a Friend of the Yolo Crisis Nursery. Since co-chairing the annual Crab Feed, the group’s major fundraising event, net revenues increased from $35,000 to this year’s $116,000. Leading fundraising efforts, she conceived of the Barn Dance, Kentucky Derby event and a new event last year, Boots, Bourbon and Bubbly.
"Brodie and I are so humbled by this wonderful recognition,” said Schauer. “We are very fortunate to live in a community full of giving and caring individuals. We share this award with all the Davis community volunteers we’ve had the honor of working side by side with."
Hamilton has hosted the Pence Garden Tour, assists with the annual Davis Sunrise Rotary Oktoberfest in many behind the scenes tasks, participates in Neighbors’ Night Out and helps with the Davis Picks it Up program.
He is also a vital member of the Davis Sunrise Rotary Club, serving as president in 2023 and 2024.
"Brodie Hamilton has been an invaluable force behind two highly successful Davis Sunrise Rotary Touch a Truck events, helping raise more than $70,000 to benefit Natalie’s Corner and Make It Happen,” remarked 2025 Citizen of the Year Award winner, Rose Cholowinski. “He helped put up lawn signs, created and displayed banners, organized the event parking – all with dedication and commitment. His tireless service, steady leadership and unwavering commitment to the community consistently inspires those around him. Brodie’s dedication makes a lasting impact, and our community is stronger because of him.”
During his tenure as president, the Davis Sunrise Rotary was named the Club of the Year among the 70 clubs in District 5160.
Hamilton was also instrumental in bringing the United States Bicycling Hall of Fame to Davis. He and Bob Bowen met with USBHOF leaders multiple times with pitches of why the hall should be located in town. Since 2010, Hamilton has remained active in all aspects of the Hall and Museum, from board member to sweeping the floors when needed. Schauer has been by his side through it all, including helping to organize the annual induction ceremony.
“To say Sharon and I were stunned when notified of this award is putting it mildly,” said Hamilton. “Being a recipient is something that never crossed my mind. I am both honored and humbled to be recognized in this way. I share this award with all the service-minded folks that have worked with me over the years.”
Cunningham said he was surprised to not see Hamilton and Schauer’s names when looking at a list of past Citizen of the Year winners. He says, together, as a team, they have done so much for organizations that are vital to the Davis community.
"Sharon and Brodie are a team regardless of the event, be it rotary or crisis nursery,” stated Yolo Crisis Nursery director of development and community relations, Becky Heard. “They are the first ones in the last ones out. They are leaders, planners, organization masterminds, creative, impactful, selfless, unsung heroes.”
— From the Davis Enterprise - Rebecca Wasik, Enterprise Staff Writer, March 4, 2026
