A graduate student, a residence life coordinator, a history professor and two organizations were honored by the Center for Community Engagement for their outstanding work to arrange service events, create partnerships that engage the community, and promote volunteering.
The 2013 Civic Engagement Awards were presented Tuesday, April 23, during a luncheon at the Restaurant at Kellogg Ranch.
This year’s winners are:
Professor Eileen Wallis, History Department: Faculty Award for Civic Engagement
Wallis incorporates service-learning in three courses (History 370, 371 and 391). She has organized several projects with the Historical Society of Pomona Valley — of which she is a board member — in which students created docent guides and online exhibits of the agricultural history of Pomona, and aided in the preparation of conferences on the region. In 2012-13, she recruited more than 250 students to be active in the community and engage in historical site documentation.
Chelsea Navarro, University Housing Services: Staff Award for Civic Engagement
Navarro is a residence life coordinator and advisor for the Chi Phi Pi chapter of the National Residence Hall Honorary. She has coordinated and participated in several service projects this past year, including the Garey High School Makeover; the Compton Initiative paint a school project; the cleaning of a river basin in the Los Angeles National Forest as part of We Love Pomona Day; and the organizing of a team for the Donate Life Run/Walk. She has inspired staff and students alike to participate in service activities
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The Boys and Girls Club of Pomona Valley: Community Partner Award for Civic Engagement
The Boys and Girls Club of Pomona Valley provides after-school enrichment to thousands of Pomona youth. In addition, the club has collaborated with Cal Poly Pomona faculty and students to provide free tax assistance, art and music educational workshops, storytelling workshops, athletic camps and tutoring projects.
Demanda Estudiantil Para Igualdad Educacional (DEPIE): Student Organization Award for Civic Engagement
DEPIE is a student advocacy group for undocumented students. This past year, it coordinated a high school Cesar Chavez conference; provided presentations at Garey High School on deferred action for childhood arrivals; provided safe zone training at the Claremont Colleges; and collaborated with the Dreamers’ Ally Network. DEPIE has worked closely with other student and community groups to advocate for students who have challenges in accessing education.
Mariano Baez: Student Award for Civic Engagement
Baez is an economics graduate student who is committed to serving the community. He has served as an instructor and mentor to California prison inmates, teaching them U.S. economic policy as they earn an education certificate. He has also inspired faculty members and students to get involved with soon-to-be released felons with workshops about college, societal reintegration and finding a job. He has raised social awareness across the campus community and was a highlighted speaker on prison issues at the Multicultural Council’s 30 Days of Social Justice.
The Center for Community Engagement was established to encourage faculty and student engagement with the campus and surrounding community through service learning, volunteering, and cooperative education through partnerships with civic groups and industry.
(Photo: Demanda Estudiantil Para Igualdad Educacional, recipients of the Student Organization Award for Civic Engagement)