Community Engagement Awards Honor Students, Faculty, Community Partners
The Institute for Civic and Community Engagement at St. John Fisher University recognized students, faculty, and community partners during the annual Community Engagement Awards, held on Tuesday, April 23.
Mt. Olivet Baptist Church, the oldest historically African-American Baptist Church in Rochester, was honored with the Community Engaged Learning Community Partner Award. Nominated by Dr. Pam Mapstone, an associate professor in the Wegmans School of Nursing, Mt. Olivet was recognized for their collaborative partnership with the School. Mapstone has worked side-by-side with Rev. Dr. Rickey B. Harvey Sr. and Jamila Evans-Rogers to organize clinics for COVID-19 boosters, flu vaccines, and preventive screenings. This summer, Mt. Olivet and Fisher are planning a youth summit at the University, as well.
Jacob Stone was given the Tehan Outstanding First-Generation Scholar Award. During his time at Fisher, Stone has engaged actively in his experience, becoming a class assistant and mentor. His positivity shone in his role with the EnCompass program, where his commitment and enthusiasm were commended by his supervisor, Connie Lucchese, who highlighted his ability to connect with students and make a positive impact.
Jenna Vinoya was given the Tehan Outstanding Service Scholar Award. Vinoya, a servant leader, has dedicated four years of community service to Refugees Helping Refugees (RHR). Mai Abdullah, director of RHR, praised Vinoya’s hard work, creativity, and dedication. On campus, Vinoya has had a significant impact on Fisher, from leading the Student Government Association to engaging in projects including the Scholar Scoop newsletter to foster positive connections and outreach.
Bella McEnroe, Ali Short, Isabella Rey, and Michaela Meleca received the Community Engaged Learning Student Award. The students collaborated with the Ugandan Water Project (UWP) through Assistant Professor Arien Rozelle’s media relations course. In the course, they executed a successful media relations campaign for UWP's Tanks Tonight fundraiser, which led to surpassing the fundraising goal and raising a total of $44,211.
Jacob Dyson, public program coordinator for Generation Two, a program run by the Strong National Museum of Play, received the Scholar Community Partner ‘Above and Beyond’ Award.
Fionnuala Regan received the Community Engaged Learning Faculty Award. Regan excels in teaching, critical thinking, and community building. She approaches challenging topics with compassion and patience and allows students to develop their own perspectives. She is highly valued by colleagues and community partners for her understanding and meaningful connections.
Community members involved in the Institute’s Center for Nonprofit Leadership were also recognized at the ceremony. The 2024 Board Leadership Seminar participants included Lindsay Allen (South Wedge Planning Committee), Cindy Constantino (NAMI), Maya Crane (The Hub 585), Maryann Rivera-Dannert (Western NY Coalition of Farmworker Serving Agencies), James Haefner (Hillside), Dr. Donna Harris (BreatheDeep, Inc.), Yachica Johnson (Rochester Black Nurses Association), Andrew Kay (Rochester Presbyterian Home), AnnMarie Link (National Kidney Foundation Serving Upstate NY), Lisa McCabe (Rochester Childfirst Network), Rick Nangreave (Charles Settlement House), Orlando Ortiz (PathStone Corporation), Stacy Poliseo (Brightstar Community, Inc.), Ann Seigler (Renaissance Academy Charter School of the Arts), and Allan Ulrich (Empowering People’s Independence). The Certificate in Nonprofit Management graduates included Mesha Caldwell, Alissa Catanzaro, Sarah Chambers, Suronda Gonzalez, Kim Hunt-Uzelac, Gertrude Denise Johnson-Rucker, Katherine Serio, Christina Thompson, and Sarah Viggiani.