Spirit of America 2014 nominee: Dr. Charles Wiles

Nominated by Noon Optimist Club of Cape Girardeau

2014 Spirit of America nominee, Dr. Charles Wiles. (Laura Simon)

The Noon Optimist Club of Cape Girardeau is proud to nominate Dr. Charles Wiles for the prestigious Spirit of America award.

Dr. Wiles of Cape Girardeau has been involved in major projects that have greatly enhanced the community where he lives and works while devoting himself to the state, national and worldwide reach of Optimist International, the fourth-largest service organization in the world with over 4,000 clubs.

After receiving degrees from Arkansas State University and the University of Oklahoma, Charles received his doctorate from Southern Illinois University. He was a professor of marketing at Southeast Missouri State University and served in public relations and marketing for three presidents. His duties also included directing a federal grant program at the university to aid small businesses, as well as director of athletic marketing for Southeast.

Charles chaired the committee that conceptualized, designed, named and introduced Rowdy, the mascot of Southeast Missouri State University. As charter adviser, he helped start the Lambda Chi Alpha fraternity chapter at the university.

In 2000, Charles received the Cape Girardeau Chamber of Commerce Educator of the Year Award. He has been active in the university's Copper Dome Society, President's Club and Booster Club.

He has been instrumental in a variety of community efforts. He was part of a group that conceptualized the Riverfest celebration in downtown Cape Girardeau, which lasted more than 20 years and drew thousands of people to the downtown area each year.

Charles was one of a four-member committee that developed a community project to commemorate the nation's bicentennial: The Cape River Heritage Museum, and served on the museum's founding board.

In 1992, Wiles and his wife, Judy, co-founded the Tri-State Advertising and Marketing Professionals, an affiliate of the American Advertising Federation. He served as president several years and, along with his wife, received the Silver Medal, the highest award possible from a local affiliate.

Charles has long been involved in Boy Scouts of America's Southeast Missouri Council, including several years on the executive board. He was presented the Silver Beaver Award, the highest award given at the council level.

He is a member of First Presbyterian Church in Cape Girardeau and has served on the church's executive committee.

Wiles and his wife have two grown daughters and five grandchildren.

For many years Wiles has been active in Optimists International at the local, state, national and international levels.

He joined the Evening Optimist Club of Cape Girardeau in 1973 and was president in 1979. He helped found and joined Noon Optimist Club of Cape Girardeau in 1980. He became lieutenant governor of the Southeast Missouri area of the Missouri District in 1960. In 1983 Charles became governor of the Missouri District. After serving in various capacities on the international level, he became president of Optimist International in 1994. Over a 30-year period, he has been personally involved in building 25 Optimist clubs in the Missouri District, including several in Southeast Missouri.

The Noon Optimist Club of Cape Girardeau believes Charles personifies a life of service and dedication to improving his community and the world.