Also see:
UDaily
Experts
Current News Releases

For printable image click here. Senior Shari Mann receives the Nikki Woolf Award from Dennis Woolf. UD photo by Duane Perry

The city of Newark and the Town and Gown Committee honored 32 students from the University of Delaware for their service to the community in a ceremony held Monday evening, May 5.

At the end of the ceremony, Dennis Woolf presented the Nikki Woolf Volunteer of the Year Award. Woolf established this award in 1994 in honor of his daughter, a UD junior who died in 1993 after being hit by a car while seeking help for a flat tire. Nikki was an avid volunteer during her time at UD and played a role in establishing VOICE, a group of psychology students who mentor patients at the Delaware Psychiatric Center.

“We created this award to recognize the sensitivity, generosity and outstanding community service that our daughter Nikki stood for,” Woolf said. “We hope she can see all the good deeds that are being done by the winners of her award.”

The 2008 Nikki Woolf Award was presented to Shari Mann, a senior psychology and women's studies double major from Southampton, Pa., for her work with the YWCA of Delaware. Since September, Mann has worked with children in the Home-Life Management Center, assisted with adult workshops and served as a clerical assistant to keep YWCA programs running smoothly. She also underwent training to help manage the Volunteer Delaware Web site and assist with staff training on the effective use of volunteers.

Furthermore, Mann served as an essential part of organizing the Ask Breakfast and the Evening of Style, two major fundraisers for the YWCA. She was often the last volunteer to leave in the evenings, staying to work with the YWCA staff until 1 a.m., even after her internship hours had been completed. Her hard work and dedication represent the true essence of volunteerism and serve as an inspiration to others to give back to the community.

Media contact: Martin Mbugua, (302) 831-8749, [mbugua@udel.edu]
May 21, 2008