May 31, 2012

Students honored for volunteer efforts

by Christi Mathis

CARBONDALE, Ill. -- Service to others and improving the world around us are highly valued efforts at Southern Illinois University Carbondale and the recent 2012 Outstanding Volunteerism Awards recognized students for their work in these areas.

The Center for Service Learning and Volunteerism and the Sustainability Council hosted the annual awards ceremony at the Student Center.  Chancellor Rita Cheng and Jonathan M. Gray, chair of the University’s Sustainability Council, presented Environmental Ambassador awards to students who volunteered their time and energy during the 2011-2012 year to enhance the region through environmental projects. 

Since the program began during the 2001-2002 academic year, there have been a total of more than 150 such awards given, recognizing students for contributing thousands of volunteer hours to improve the environment.  Students must participate in at least 30 hours of environmental service work during the year to receive the award.

Peter Gitau, associate vice chancellor and dean of students, and Mythili Rundblad, co-director of the Office of Service Learning and Volunteerism, also joined Cheng in presenting two additional service awards to students.  The Presidential Volunteer Service Award from Points of Light recognizes volunteerism and community service demonstrated by the accumulation of service hours throughout the year.

The Delyte Morris Award recognizes students or student organizations that demonstrate excellence and commitment to community service.  The award honors the legacy and commitment of its namesake, the late University President Delyte Morris.

Winners of the Environmental Ambassadors awards, listed by hometown with major, are:

Aviston

            •  Alicia Luebbers, zoology

Breese

            •  Morgan Schulte, forest hydrology

Carbondale

            •  Ellen Esling, geography and environmental resources

            •  Lacey Gibson, physiology

            •  Timothy Harper, forestry

            •  Brooke Patton, geology

Chicago

            •  Rebecca Filippini, zoology

            •  Tamika Gibson, geology

            •  Rachel Hatfield, forestry

Eldorado

            •  Mitchell Vaughan, forestry

Elmhurst

            •  Martin Wilson, forestry

Galena

            •  Jeffery Heim, plant biology

Glenview

            Ryan Dillon, university studies.

Hazel Crest

            •  Lauren Adams, computer engineering

Jacksonville

            •  Sarah Baxter, geography and environmental resources

            •  Alison Crim, geography and environmental resources

Kankakee

            •  Lucas Garcia, physiology

LaPrairie

            •  Amanda Knight, forestry

Lincoln

            •  Leah Shirley, accounting

Niles

            •  Kristen Taylor, geography and environmental resources

Normal

            •  Cheyenne Adams, zoology

New Lenox

            •  Mary Petrizzo, social work

North Riverside

            •  Christian Hidrobo, geography and environmental resources

Peotone

            •  Christy Iozzo, forestry

Tinley Park

            •  Mark Hermann, forestry

California

North Riverside

            •  Kerry McLeran, geography and environmental resources

            •  Gina Opper, forestry

Maine

Phippsburg

            •  James Buron, paralegal studies/environmental resource management

Missouri

Brentwood

            •  Alicea Settlemoir, zoology

Wisconsin

Eau Claire

            •  Kaia Pirazzini, outdoor recreation education

Those earning the Presidential Volunteer Service Award, listed by hometown with major, are:

Chicago

            •   Maria Irizarry, therapeutic recreation

Kankakee

            •  Lucas Garcia, forestry

Lake in the Hills

            •  Daniel Wilczak, bio-medicine

Princeton

            •  Nicolette Winn, psychology

The winners of the Delyte Morris Award, by hometown with major, are:

Herrin

            •  Emily Lind, art education

Rockford

    •  Phi Le, psychology