Carmen Cavezza was named the recipient of the unity award at the 27th annual Alpha Phi Alpha Unity Award Breakfast this morning.

"I am shocked," Cavezza said following the meal in the Columbus Convention and Trade Center.

Cavezza, 75, received the award from last year's winner Columbus Mayor Pro-Tem Evelyn Turner-Pugh.

Past winners include Aflac CEO Dan Amos, former mayor Bob Poydasheff and Judge John D. Allen.

Cavezza, formerly Fort Benning's commander and Columbus city manager, is currently serving as interim chairman on the National Infantry Foundation's Board of Directors.