FAIRFAX, VA | April 23, 2018
On Tuesday, April 17, the Social Action and Integrative Learning (SAIL) office hosted their second annual Seeds of Change recognition event in the HUB Ballroom. The event recognized the selfless leadership, service, and activism led by Mason students, faculty, and community partners.
Twenty-two graduating seniors were awarded the Community Engagement Medallion. These seniors were committed to helping their communities toward homelessness, education, student involvement, sustainability, food and medical insecurity, and overall, empowering marginalized communities. With innovation and passion, the following students excelled:
As part of the Seeds of Change recognition event, SAIL wanted to recognize and celebrate community engagement here at Mason and in particular the partnerships of community partners, faculty/staff and students working together towards positive social change. The following partnerships were highlighted during the event in recognition of what was created together.
The Active Citizens Award was also recognized. Three non-graduate students and one graduate student received this award, in celebration of their demonstrated service and integrity.
Julie Owen, associate professor at SIS, contributed unconventional passion and enthusiasm for education and servitude. For this, the Active Citizens Award will now be named the Julie Owen Award for Community Engagement.
Thereafter, four community organizations received the Exemplary Community Partner Award, for their active collaborations with SAIL’s community-based learning courses and contributions to the community overall.
Next was the Outstanding Partnership/Collaboration/Project Award. Both on and off-campus, this award highlights the positive change developed toward working with the community rather than to them.
The final awards were the Engaged Faculty Award and Engaged Staff Member Award. This award celebrates university staff and faculty as they have contributed ample leadership in community-based learning, scholarship, and service. They shaped Mason’s culture by strengthening our commitment to serve and engage in community efforts.
Thank you to our nominees for the outstanding work you do. And congratulations to all our awardees!
Photos By (Sarah Kladler/SAIL). Full photo album can be found on our Flickr page.
April 24, 2018