April 28, 2025

Making a difference: Landis Center celebrates community engagement

Annual ceremony honors students, faculty, and community partners

Landis Center for Community Engagement recognized students, faculty, and community partners who have made a significant impact in the Easton and Lehigh Valley communities during an April 17 awards ceremony.

“The award winners—and really all of our Landis students, community partners, and faculty—exemplify the meaning of quality community engagement,” says Jodi Fowler, associate director of civil leadership for Landis. “They are dedicated, compassionate leaders who not only elevate our programs but also deepen the connection between Lafayette College and the greater Easton community. Through their commitment, creativity, and collaboration, they’ve left a lasting imprint on our campus culture and are a powerful example of what community-engaged leadership can achieve. We are all very proud of the work they have done and will continue to do.”

Two students interact after a student receives an award

A student snaps a photo of another student holding their award

Faculty and staff members talk to each other.

A student embraces a Lafayette community member.

A student shakes hands with Caroline Lee.

Caroline Lee presents an award to a community member.

The annual awards are also a chance to recognize graduating seniors who have held a civic leadership role through Landis in the 2024-25 school year, Fowler says. “You’ve been the backbone of our programs, and we’re thrilled to see your passion for community engagement continue as you embark on your next adventure.”

2025 award recipients

Erin Caputo smiles

Eleanor Winkey Prize

Erin Caputo ’25

This award is given annually to a senior who has been most committed to engagement and the residents of the Easton Area Community.

Jeremy Saxe Award

Cameron Adler ’25

This award is given annually to a senior who exemplifies the ideals of academic achievement and intellectual curiosity, personal engagement in the community, and a commitment to making the world a better place.

Volunteer of the Year Award

Sophia Pedrazzi ’28

This award recognizes a first-year student who has demonstrated significant commitment to community engagement activities through participation in Landis Center programs.

Ricki Blaustein ’25 smiles with award

Class of ’97 Community Service Award

Ricki Blaustein ’25

This award recognizes a senior who demonstrates sustained commitment to community engagement activities through participation and leadership in multiple community engaged programs.

Emily Mastroly ’25 smiles with award

Excellence in Community-Based Learning and Research Award

Emily Mastroly ’25

This award is given annually to a senior who has made significant contributions to the community through course projects, an honors thesis, EXCEL Scholar work, and other forms of academic community engagement.

Mark Reid smiles with award

Community Partnership Award

Mark Reid from Easton Garden Works (pictured)

Cynthia Caputi from Family Connections (not pictured)

This award recognizes strong community partners for their outstanding collaboration with Lafayette College students and staff. These recipients demonstrate a high level of commitment to community-based learning by providing meaningful student experiences and mutually beneficial outcomes.

Faculty Award for Excellence in Community-Based Learning Pedagogy

Gabrielle Kelenyi, assistant professor of English

This award honors a faculty member who has shown dedication to implementing best practices in academic community engagement.

Note: Hannah Stewart-Gambino, professor of government & law and international affairs, also received the Distinguished Leadership in Community-Based Teaching and Research Award. This award recognizes a tenured faculty member who has provided Lafayette students with innovative and transformative learning experiences by engaging them in projects that address community-identified needs.