Vol. 20, No. 16 |
May 17, 2001 |
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Student volunteers honored
Whether it's working with children with life-threatening illnesses or serious developmental disabilities, or raising money for charitable causes, UD students are reaching out to improve the quality of life for people of all ages in the community. Recently, two ceremonies were held to honor student volunteers who have given of their time and talents to help others. The first was the Volunteer Awards ceremony, sponsored by the Office of the Dean of Students, on May 2 at the Perkins Student Center. The second was the Town & Gown Committee Award for Community Service, held May 8 and conducted by the city of Newark in the Municipal Center Courtyard. Volunteer Awards The Volunteer Awards ceremony included the presentation of the Nikki Woolf Volunteer Award to Theodora Papanikolaou, AS 2002. Established in 1994, the Nikki Woolf Award for Outstanding Student Volunteer Award of the Year honors the memory of the junior psychology major and active student volunteer who died in a traffic accident in 1993. Papanikolaou has contributed over 213 hours volunteering in the child life, emergency services and research behavioral health departments at the A.I. du Pont Hospital for Children in Wilmington. Described by the hospital staff as reliable, caring, bright and extremely self-motivated, Papanikolaou spends her time at the hospital working with children who are cancer patients. By talking with the youngsters and helping them with arts and crafts projects, she helps to brighten the day and put a smile on the faces of many seriously ill young people. Always an advocate of volunteerism, Papanikolaou has inspired many of her fellow students to join her in helping out at the hospital. She has also been involved with Light the Night, a walk in Wilmington that raises money and awareness for cancer research and families. Also honored at the May 2 ceremony were two student groups. Circle K, was recognized for its active involvement with local community organizations. Circle K members have given more than 800 volunteer hours to 26 activities and organizations, including YWCA, AIDS Delaware, Emmaus House, Girls Inc., Delaware Food Bank and A.I. du Pont Hospital for Children. Best Buddies, a group whose national chapter describes it as one of the most impressive college chapters, received honorable mention for its work in pairing college students with individuals with disabilities. The organization was nominated by the staff at the Mary Campbell Center, where it performs some of its volunteer work. Contributions by Best Buddies at the center include weekly visits with residents, as well as writing letters, cards and e-mail. In one year, the group has increased volunteer participation at the center from six to 35 volunteers, leading the staff to call the program "exciting and beneficial for the residents." Town & Gown Awards for Community Service The Town & Gown Award recognizes and celebrates some of the contributions of a group of outstanding University students who have distinguished themselves by their volunteer efforts. This year seven organizations nominated students for honors. Nominated by Homeward Bound, Inc. (Emmaus House) for helping provide child care, bulk mailings and assisting with food drives and fund raising events, were Amaryah Kishpaugh, AS 2002; Beth Maiatico, AS 2003; Cristabelle Cruz, CHEP 2002; Emily B. Goodman, AS 2002; Emily Udvardy, AS 2003; Jennifer Hause, CHEP 2002; Julie Costanzo, EG 2004; Latrelle Thornton, EG 2001; Margaret Huvane, BE 2001; Meghan Nagy, BE 2001; Melissa Calvanico, HN 2003; Melissa Weitz, AG 2001, Michael Harkins, AS 2001; and Michael League, AS 2001. Nominated by the Food Bank of Delaware for helping with various efforts were Tomica Collins, AS 2002; Melissa Blauvelt, CHEP 2003; Joe Matano, AG 2002; and Amy Wagenseller, HP 2001. Contact DE, which operates a hotline for calls about suicide, depression and dating violence issues, nominated Beth McCarty, AS 2001 for volunteering at the crisis help line. The YMCA of Delaware nominated graduate student Laura Marzano, HN, for providing a luncheon discussion on the benefits of exercise for all age groups including seniors. Students at UD nominated Michelle Sardone, AS 2001, for her volunteer work within the St. Thomas More Oratory. The Aetna Hose, Hook & Ladder Co. cited volunteer Christopher Selgas, HN 2001, his contributions to both the fire and EMS crews. Girls Inc. nominated Roshni Kasad, AS 2001, for her reliability and for serving as a positive role mode for children in the community. –Jerry Rhodes |
