Honoring an Engaged Community

By Stephen Wilson

Leaders thanking leaders. That’s what happened at the ninth annual Center for Community Engagement (CCE) Expo as students and faculty presented posters on their work across the region.

Easton Mayor Salvatore Panto Jr. was on hand to express his gratitude. “Thank you for your commitment to our community. The relationship with the College is evolving and involved. You offer many hours, and we appreciate it. Easton would not be Easton without Lafayette College,” he said.

Jamila Bookwala, dean of curriculum and research, encouraged faculty, staff, and students to “keep doing what you are doing because community engagement is a crucial part of the College curriculum.”

Elizabeth Rohricht ’21 (center)

Twenty-six poster presentations included community-based learning and research, Alternative School Break (ASB) service trips, work by MOSAIC programs, and various volunteer activities.

Art Kney, director for the Center for Community Engagement, kicked off the awards portion of the event by celebrating the expertise and value of all involved. He also encouraged faculty to join the Community Connection Campaign—from April 10 to May 31 CCE is offering community-based learning and research information sessions for those interested in bringing an element of community engagement into their teaching and scholarship.

CCE staff, including Kney, Amber Zuber, director of the Landis Community Outreach Center, and Chelsea Cefalu, coordinator of community partnerships, then presented awards to faculty, community leaders, students, and learning partners.

Mary Foulk and Art Kney

The awards:

• Distinguished Leadership in Community-Based Teaching and Research Award: Debbie Byrd, professor and associate head of English
• Excellence in Community Engagement Pedagogy Award: Lauren Myers, assistant professor of psychology
• Community Partnership Award: Judith A. Dickerson, Cops ’n’ Kids Reading Room
• Volunteer of the Year Award: Elizabeth Rohricht ’21
• Class of ’97 Community Service Award: Nicole Maksymiw ’18

Debbie Byrd and Easton Mayor Sal Panto

2017-2018 ASB Learning Partners

• Ana Ramirez Luhrs, Kirby Hall of Civil Rights librarian, Cultivating Leadership
• Rebekah Pite, associate professor of history, Cultivating Leadership
• Brianna Braswell ’16, Connected Communities fellow, Stopping Traffic
• Rebecca Brenner, accessibilities services coordinator, Teaching in the Trees
• Jade Saybolt ’16, admissions counselor, Making Reservations
• Clifford Campbell, visiting assistant professor of Africana studies, Why the Caged Bird Sings