Utah State University Awards 2024 Community Engagement Champions

The USU Center for Community Engagement recognized the work of outstanding faculty, staff, students, alumni and community partners as part of the Annual Community Engagement Awards Ceremony and Poster Session on April 17.

The individuals and organizations recognized exemplify collaboration between USU and the greater community and demonstrate ongoing commitment to community engagement and positive change.

In her opening remarks for the award ceremony, USU President Elizabeth Cantwell said that community engagement is “central to our mission as a land-grant, public service university.”

Here’s a summary of the recipients for each category:

• Val R. & Ruth Ann Christensen Student Leader Scholarship: Annie Watson, Biochemistry Major. Annie is the student director for True Blue Reuse & Repair and co-led the Alternative Spring Break program.
• Christensen Community Scholars:Makara Humes, Ashlyn Robinson, Kylie Bell, Jillian Bouchard, Michelle Webb, Landon Corbett, Sarah Moore, Taylia Norris, Cristina, Chirvasa, Cassey Ivie, Kate Markman, Anna Durrans, Emma Templeton, Tessa Sabin, Annalisa Gregory, Kalli Hull, Jacob Anderson.
• Christensen Office of Social Action & Sustainability Leaders: Kate Markman, Jake Anderson, Annie Watson, Jackson Olsen, Ella Leonelli, Kylee Chadwick, and Heather Burr.
• Peace Corps Prep Certificate: Erika Blaser, Anna Durrans, Isaiah Williams, Kalli Hull.
• Center for Community Engagement Outstanding Service Awards: Rory Earl, Leto Silvanus, Sydney Fisk, Gwen Sepp, Ella Leonelli, Beth O’Driscoll.

Transforming Communities Initiative (TCI) Community Advocate of the Year

Rev. Jason Samuel, who leads St. John’s Episcopal Church in Logan, was named the USU TCI Community Advocate of the Year. Reverend Samuel was recognized for his outstanding advocacy for marginalized populations in Cache Valley, particularly his dedication to the LGBT+ community through the Logan Pride Foundation and his efforts to assist unhoused individuals at the William A. Burnard Warming Center.

Presidential Awards for Community Engagement

Community-Engaged Faculty

Dr. Courtney Flint received the Community-Engaged Faculty Presidential Award for her outstanding leadership with the Utah Wellbeing Project.

On a shoestring budget, Dr. Flint has worked with over 20 students and 62 Utah cities and towns to survey residents about their wellbeing to inform local planning and statewide initiatives.

Upon receiving the award, Dr. Flint said: “Giving voice to the celebrations and concerns of those in communities around the state is part of our obligation as the land-grant university. The Utah Wellbeing Project wouldn’t be possible without city partnerships and the hard work of student researchers.”

Community-Engaged Alumnus

Roxie Christensen received the Community-Engaged Alumnus Presidential Award for her extensive volunteer efforts centered around restoration, education, and community engagement at the Morgan Farm in Nibley, UT. Upon receiving this award, Roxie said, “This project has allowed me to see youth working together toward a common goal, volunteers working side-by-side, and children's faces light up as they interact with farm animals. Community engagement takes us farther than we can ever go on our own.”

Committed Community Partner

Utah Public Radio (UPR) received the Committed Community Partner Presidential Award for the provision of lifelong learning opportunities to residents of Utah, with a particular focus on rural communities. As a public radio station, UPR delivers high-quality educational content to inform and strengthen communities. UPR’s Kerry Bringhurst said, “Engaging with community to support the needs of our neighbors and friends is key to what we do as a public broadcast and digital news and information service. The UPR staff is pleased to be part of a university that values our outreach.”

Community-Engaged Student

Hannah Eddy received the Community-Engaged Student Presidential Award for her work with USU Dietetics to develop a program that will provide nutritious meals to individuals using the William A. Burnard Warming Center for years to come. When asked to describe why she does it, Hannah said, “We alone can’t change the world, but we alone can make the choice to support our community and help others. Humans need each other.”

Community-Engaged Staff

Michelle Bogdan-Holt received the Community-Engaged Staff Presidential Award for her 19 years of leadership as the Inclusion Center Director where she not only welcomed and engaged students of diverse backgrounds, but also engaged with the greater community through programs such as the USU Interfaith Initiative, Sub-for-Santa, and numerous community events designed to educate local citizens about issues impacting women and nontraditional students.

Ivory Prize for Excellence in Community Engagement Awarded to Sydney Fisk

The Ivory Prize for Excellence in Community Engagement, generously funded by the Clark & Christine Ivory Foundation, recognizes extraordinary, influential student accomplishments in community engagement. The prize provides a $2,000 scholarship for the recipient and an additional $10,000 to be invested in a program or effort developed and implemented by the recipients.

This year, the Ivory Prize was awarded to Sydney Fisk. As the USU AmeriCorps Permaculture Garden Manager, Sydney works tirelessly with community members and nonprofit organizations to provide fresh produce while increasing understanding of permaculture principles and sustainability.

In her AmeriCorps role, Sydney has conducted numerous service projects with both elementary and university students. She truly understands how connecting students to the land through gardening and permaculture can foster greater stewardship for the planet.

Sydney will use the Ivory Prize funding to develop a permanent seating area and an arch trellis, creating an inviting space for people to socialize and learn together under a shaded overstory. She also plans to use the funding to increase interpretive signage and compensate guest speakers for educational events.

Upon receiving this award, Sydney said: "My project has enabled me to create a space where students, faculty, and residents can feel a connection to nature. I am excited to see how our outreach initiatives bring people together to support the growing of food for local organizations."

More information on USU Center for Community Engagement can be found at https://www.usu.edu/communityengagement/