The Center for Civic Engagement and Student Activities hosted the Community Leader Awards at the Drew University Concert Hall on April 16. As golden hour approached and the warm rays slipped through the windows, families, staff and friends came to witness the achievements of students, which shined brighter.
The College of Liberal Arts, Theological School and Casparian School of Graduate Studies awarded the following to students: Student Engagement First Year Class Awards, Student Engagement Sophomore Student Leaders Awards, Student Engagement Junior and Senior Class Awards, Center for Civic Engagement Thomas D. Sayles Jr. Student Award, Class of 1985 Senior Gift Award, Center for Civic Engagement Graduate Student Award, Student Engagement Graduate Student Award, Student Engagement Tilghman International Student Awards, Student Engagement Dean’s Awards, Student Engagement Gold D Graduating Seniors Award, Center for Civic Engagement Changemakers Award, Center for Civic Engagement Ben Salmon Award, Center for Civic Engagement Faculty Leader Award, Center for Civic Engagement Staff Leader Award and the Center for Civic Engagement Collaborative Action Award.
Whether they were here for two semesters or eight, the award recipients all achieved what they were passionate about, pouring their hearts and souls toward these efforts.
“The Community Leader Awards was a great event. It was an honor to be recognized for my efforts to build upon the Drew Community. It was a pleasure and a privilege to celebrate with all parties involved,” said Zaire Wright (‘27), one of the recipients.
Professor Mecca Madyun said, “It was beautiful and powerful to see the Drew community come together to celebrate the contributions of our phenomenal Drew family members. The smiles, laughter and tears were electricity in the air. That collective energy created in the Concert Hall was the result of collaboration. This is central to what the CCE envisions for our role in and goal for the university — working together across differences to build community.”
Drew University offers dozens of clubs and opportunities for students to not only explore, but also to be a part of something special. For example, Breena Stephen (‘27) has had a meaningful experience with Volunteers Without Borders.
“I love everything Volunteers Without Borders represents,” said Stephen. “Participating in both trips this year allowed me to come out of my shell and engage with numerous inspiring individuals. Through the trips, I have made lasting connections, memories I’ll always cherish and a profound love for civic engagement. For that, I am forever grateful to VWB.”
With different programs in fields such as volunteering, education, arts, culture, music and more, there is something for everyone.
Jodi Velez is a first-year majoring in media and communications and minoring in creative writing.
