On Tuesday, April 23rd, the Social Action and Integrative Learning (SAIL) office hosted their third annual Seeds of Change recognition event in the HUB Ballroom. The event recognized the selfless leadership, service, and activism led by Mason students, faculty, staff and community partners.
Fifteen graduating seniors were awarded the Community Engagement Medallion. These seniors were committed to helping their communities toward homelessness, education, student involvement, sustainability, food and medical insecurity, and overall, empowering marginalized communities. With innovation and passion, the following students excelled:
As part of the Seeds of Change recognition event, SAIL wanted to recognize and celebrate community engagement here at Mason and in particular the partnerships of community partners, faculty/staff and students working together towards positive social change. The following collaborative work were highlighted during the event in recognition of what was created together.
Through the Active Citizens and Dr. Julie Owen Awards, one non-graduate student and two graduate students were recognized in celebration of their demonstrated service and integrity. This year’s Active Citizen Award recipient is Yassmin Salem and the Dr. Julie Owen Award recipients are Shauna Rigaud and Felicia Baez.
Thereafter, five community organizations received the Exemplary Community Partner Award, for their active collaborations with SAIL’s community-based learning courses and contributions to the community overall. This year’s Exemplary Community Partner Award recipients are Andre Porter of Birmingham Green, Doni Nolan of GMU Campus Gardens, Kevin Krisko of Images for Good, Muhammad Hasan from Adams Compassionate Healthcare Network, and Veronica Tangiri, Prince William Water and Soil Conservation District.
Next awards were the Engaged Faculty Award and Engaged Staff Member Award. This award celebrates university staff and faculty as they have contributed ample leadership in community-based learning and student engagement, scholarship & service. They shaped Mason’s culture by strengthening our commitment to serve and engage in community efforts. This year’s awardees include Kevin Stoy & Christian Suero for the Staff Member category and Shannyn Snyder for the Faculty Category.
Finally, the Outstanding Partnership/Collaboration/Project Award. Both on and off-campus, this award highlights the positive change developed toward working with the community rather than to them. This recipient of the Outstanding Partnership Award is Courageous Conversations. A partnership between Dr. Meagan Call-Cummings, College of Education and Human Development and Mrs. Leanne Beardsley and students, Osbourn Park High School.
Thank you to our nominees for the outstanding work you do. And congratulations to all our awardees!
Photos By Greg Justice/SAIL. View all event photos at: http://tinyurl.com/y5efg4rw
May 01, 2019