On April 21, students, faculty and loved ones gathered in the Concert Hall of the Dorothy Young Center for the Arts to celebrate the Community Leader Awards. The awards ceremony aimed to commemorate the astounding activism, involvement and achievements of those who went above and beyond to contribute to the Drew community throughout the year.
This event was hosted by The Center for Civic Engagement and The Office of Student Engagement. Both departments put forth immense effort to ensure that this awards ceremony fulfilled its purpose of honoring students’ achievements.
In reference to the purpose and planning of the event, the Director of the CCE, Sean Hewitt stated, “It’s about service. To be able to do this with such an excellent team to lead us in conjunction with The Office of Student Engagement and their team to operate as just one Drew is a blessing. That is what this program exemplifies, and that is what we want to enhance going forward.”
The ceremony honored students, staff, faculty and organizations that fit the mold of the various awards which highlighted outstanding acts of community and service for Drew as a whole.
Most notably, the Gold D award was given to six students graduating in the 2025-2026 school year who were extremely active and helpful to the Drew community throughout their years, and who fostered opportunities for students on and off campus through leadership and creativity. Another award of high honor was the 1985 Senior Gift Award which was given to one student in the graduating class as well.
Other awards consisted of the first-year, sophomore, junior, senior and graduate student awards, which were granted to those who have contributed to the community of Drew in the past year.
A different member of Drew staff and faculty presented each award with words of appreciation to the winners which made the ceremony more emotional and allowed for each winner to be given the time and space they deserved as award recipients.
The Director of Student Engagement, Cassandra Gonzalez said, “because you have various speakers and departments presenting awards, it truly feels like a community coming together.”
There were many other important awards given, such as the Ben Salmon Service Recognition Award, which was given to a member of the Volunteer Without Borders organization on campus who was said to be a dedicated volunteer on and off campus.
Additionally, Drew’s newest chapter of the National Society of Leadership and Success awarded nearly 60 officially inducted members during this ceremony after their hard work within the organization throughout this past semester
The Drew Unified Basketball Program was also recognized for their win in the championships this season, and the captains of the team gave heartfelt speeches about their successes.
The awards ceremony was overall a successful night which honored students, staff, organizations and many other recipients who demonstrated leadership, community and astounding qualities that were praiseworthy.
Casey Bush is a sophomore majoring in psychology and minoring in writing and communication.
