Service Learning Excellence Recognized With Annual Awards
The Center for Service Learning (CSL) at the University of Kansas has announced the 2021 Excellence in Service Learning award recipients. The CSL recognized these award recipients and others at the annual Service Showcase + Celebration in April, a recording of which can be viewed on the CSL’s YouTube Channel.
The CSL’s Excellence in Service Learning Awards recognize exemplary contributors to our community culture of service and civic action. Nominations are continuously accepted on the CSL’s Awards Webpage.
“The Service Showcase and Celebration occasions an opportunity to collectively reflect on the numerous community and civic engagement efforts involving students, staff, and faculty who work with community partners to advance community-identified goals,” shared Dr. Jomella Watson-Thompson, Director of the Center for Service Learning. “The award recipients and participants are to be commended for their exemplary efforts and commitment that amplifies their teaching, learning, scholarship, outreach, and partnership activities through meaningful and impactful contributions with the community.”
Faculty Award for Excellence in Service Learning
Dr. Cameron Piercy, Assistant Professor of Communication Studies
Dr. Piercy was recognized for his exemplary integration of service learning and reflection into COMS 342: Problem Solving in Teams and Groups through the inclusion of a #DoGood project. View Dr. Piercy’s #DoGood Project Presentation from the 2021 KU Summit on Community-Engaged Learning and Scholarship for more about the project.
Staff Award for Excellence in Community Engagement
George Midgett, former Director of Student-Athlete Development, Leadership, and Outreach for Kansas Athletics
This year, George supported civic action by student-athletes through the Jayhawk Athlete Movement, which was a new initiative for KU Athletics. View George’s Jayhawk Athlete Movement Presentation from the 2021 KU Summit on Community-Engaged Learning and Scholarship for more about the project.
Graduate Student Award for Excellence in Community-Engaged Research + Learning
Max Bearce, Master’s in Social Work Student
As the graduate assistant in the Campus Cupboard, Max worked diligently to ensure that everyone who visits the Cupboard is treated with dignity and respect by promoting equitable and inclusive practices.
Community Partner Award for Excellence in Campus Collaboration
Just Food, Community Food Bank
Over the last year, Just Food has been critical in the fight for food security in our community. From continuing to support the Campus Cupboard to engaging in community-engaged research projects with faculty and participating in the KU Food for Jayhawks committee, Just Food has been a valuable partner to KU during this time to address food insecurity on campus and in our community.
Undergraduate Student Award for Excellence in Service Learning
Victoria Celli, Senior Applied Behavioral Science Student
Throughout her service-learning experiences at KU Victoria served racial and ethnic minoritized youth through the ThrYve Youth Violence Prevention Program and the LEAD UP Youth Achievement programs. Victoria demonstrated excellence in critical thinking, quality reflection, and professional-quality work through her service-learning experiences supported through classes in Applied Behavioral Science.
Victoria’s poster presentation shared during the Service Showcase related to her experiences in working with the ThrYve program to encourage increased civic awareness and engagement of youth in Kansas City, Kansas was also recognized as the Outstanding Undergraduate Individual Presentation.
Through community and campus partnerships, the KU Center for Service Learning advances service-learning, community-engaged scholarship, and civic engagement that fosters a commitment to participation for a diverse, just, and global society.