Charles E. Dunbar, Jr. Career Civil Service Award

The Charles E. Dunbar, Jr. Career Service Award is the highest honor classified state employees can receive for their service to the citizens of Louisiana. Since inception of the program, more than 650 classified public employees have been awarded the Dunbar Career Service Award by the Louisiana Civil Service League. The Civil Service League bestows the award on local, state and municipal civil service employees who distinguish themselves through unselfish service to the citizens of Louisiana. Nominees are judged on commitment to the classified service, contributions toward workplace improvement, and personal initiative.

The award is named after the founder of the League, Charles E. Dunbar, Jr., who is responsible for spearheading the effort to establish a classified workforce that would be governed through merit system principles.

Frequently Asked Questions

ABOUT THE DUNBAR AWARDS
  1. What is the Dunbar Awards Program?

    2. The Dunbar Award is the highest honor classified state employees can receive for their service to the citizens of Louisiana. The Awards Program is in its 64th year and is sponsored by the Louisiana Civil Service League. The League bestows the award on local, state, and municipal civil service employees who distinguish themselves through unselfish service to the citizens of Louisiana. Nominees are judged on commitment to the classified service, contributions toward workplace improvement, and personal initiative.

    The award is named after the founder of the League, Charles E. Dunbar, Jr. and has recognized over 650 classified public employees in Louisiana since its inception.

  2. Who was Charles E. Dunbar, Jr.?

    3. Charles E. Dunbar, Jr., is credited with writing the 1940 and 1952 civil service basic laws and founding the Louisiana Civil Service League. Mr. Dunbar is responsible for spearheading the effort to establish a classified workforce that would be governed through merit system principles.

  3. What is the Louisiana State Civil Service League?

    4. The Louisiana Civil Service League is a statewide, non-profit educational organization founded in 1940 dedicated to the extension, preservation, and improvement of Merit Systems of public employment in Louisiana.

  4. Who can be nominated?

    5. Local, state, and municipal classified employees may be nominated for the Dunbar Awards.

  5. Who judges the award nominations?

    6. The Judging Committee consists of five winners from the previous awards year.

  6. What are the perks of winning the Dunbar Award?

    7. Winners will be honored at the Dunbar Awards Ceremony; an annual luncheon held in New Orleans each Spring. Each winner will receive a commemorative plaque and a DVD of the Awards Ceremony. Other perks include a “Dunbar Award Winner” license plate, and a signed letter from the Governor congratulating the employee on winning the prestigious award. Award winners may also be asked to be judges on the following year’s selection panel.

FILLING OUT THE DUNBAR AWARDS FORM
  1. When is the deadline for submitting nominations?

    2. The nomination period for the 2023 Dunbar Awards is currently closed.

  2. Who should I call if I have questions?

    3. If you have questions about filling out the nomination form, please call Daniel E. Sullivan, Executive Vice President of the Louisiana Civil Service League at (504) 522-3875.

  3. What is the eligibility criterion for nominating an employee?

    • Classified employees (full-time and part-time) are eligible.
    • An employee who retires during the year for which the award is made is eligible to be nominated.
    • Anyone may nominate a classified employee. An employee may nominate his/her subordinate, supervisor, co-worker or other individual he/she feels should be considered for this award.
    • The nomination form must be signed by the nominator and the appointing authority (or designee).

  4. What if an employee retires during the year? Can he or she still be nominated?

    5. Yes, an employee who retires during the year for which the award is made is eligible to be nominated.

  5. What if I need more information about the employee’s accomplishments? Can I ask them or someone else?

    6. Yes, you can ask the employee as nominations are not confidential. You can also ask your agency’s Human Resources office if you need more information, i.e. job history.

  6. Can I tell an employee that I am nominating them?

    7. Yes, you can tell your employee that you are nominating them for the award. A letter will go out after all nominations are received telling employees that they were nominated, even if they don’t win.

  7. What can my HR Office do to help me?

    8. Your agency HR Office can furnish information to help fill out Part II – Commitment to the Classified Service portion of the nomination form. Please also include the HR Director from your agency HR Office on the form so he or she can be notified if your employee is chosen as a winner.