It is with great honor and immense pride that we celebrated the recipients of this year's Civic and Community Engagement Awards, as well as the awardees from 2020 and 2023, on April 25th.
Student Award for Excellence in Community Engaged Learning
We extend our heartfelt congratulations to Ailin Torres for their remarkable dedication to serving the community, evident through their involvement in various organizations and initiatives. Their passion for making a difference is truly commendable, and their resilience and adaptability set them apart as a leader and role model within the College Corps program.
As the Ambassador Fellow, Ailin has demonstrated exceptional leadership and dedication to their cohort, serving as a source of support and inspiration for their peers. Their ability to effectively communicate, problem-solve, and forge meaningful connections with community partners exemplifies the qualities we seek to honor with this award.
Ailin's unwavering commitment to making a positive impact on the lives of others reflects the values of SF State and embodies the spirit of service and community engagement that we hold dear.
We extend our heartfelt congratulations to Brittany Hernandez for their remarkable contributions and profound commitment to community engagement, setting them apart as an exemplary leader and advocate for positive change.
Brittany's dedication to service and community engagement is evident through their involvement in AmeriCorps, where they provided invaluable support and mentorship to underrepresented students. Their commitment to academic excellence and personal growth is commendable, exemplified by their return to college after an eight-year hiatus to pursue a combined BA/MA major in International Relations.
As the student director for the Environmental Resource Center and a participant in Climate HQ’s Climate Ambassadors class, Brittany has continued to champion environmental and climate justice education while fostering connections between campus partners and student organizations. Their leadership, advocacy, and passion for community engagement are truly inspiring, and we celebrate their achievements wholeheartedly.
We extend our heartfelt congratulations to Haolin Tan for their significant contributions and profound commitment to community engagement, which truly distinguish them as an exemplary leader and advocate for positive change.
Haolin's unwavering dedication to service and community engagement as a Lead Fellow is evident through their active involvement in the College Corps program. Their consistent demonstration of strength, compassion, and adaptability in supporting the SF community, particularly during challenging times, exemplifies their exceptional work ethic and ability to effect meaningful change.
In the face of adversity, such as the roof collapse at their host organization site during severe weather storms, Haolin demonstrated resilience and leadership, necessitating a shift in programming to continue serving the community effectively. This reflects their unwavering commitment to service and their ability to overcome obstacles with grace and determination.
Furthermore, Haolin's leadership within the College Corps program, including conducting training sessions for peers, underscores their dedication to empowering others and fostering a culture of engagement at SF State.
Faculty Award for Excellence in Community Engaged Learning
Congratulations to Gopal Dayaneni for their exceptional contributions to institutionalizing service learning at SF State. Their innovative pedagogical approach is evidenced by the development of the course "Community Engaged Learning: Praxis in Race and Resistance Studies," which has profoundly impacted student learning outcomes and community partnerships.
Through Gopal Dayaneni efforts, grassroots organizations have been integrated into the community-engaged learning movement, providing students with invaluable opportunities to address pressing community issues and collaboratively seek solutions. Their dedication to reflective teaching methods and intentional student engagement has yielded significant outcomes for both students and the communities they serve.
By fostering group work and facilitating critical reflection exercises, Gopal Dayaneni has inspired students to cultivate a civic identity and embrace a lifelong commitment to community engagement. Their unwavering dedication to advancing the principles of community-engaged learning embodies the spirit of SF State's mission and enriches the educational experience for all.
Congratulations to Shanice Robinson-Blacknell, Ed.D. for their outstanding commitment to community engagement, reflected in their engagement experiences, innovative teaching methodologies, partnerships, and dedicated student engagement. Their creation of internship opportunities, organization of events fostering cultural awareness, and steadfast dedication to student support and advising exemplify excellence and leadership in every aspect.
Shanice Robinson-Blacknell transformative teaching has not only enriched the academic experience of our students but has also sparked positive change within our community. Their innovative scholarship and unwavering advocacy serve as an inspiration to others, encouraging them to strive for excellence and make a meaningful impact.
Through their remarkable efforts, Shanice Robinson-Blacknell has not only enhanced the educational landscape at SF State but has also inspired countless individuals to become agents of positive change in our communities.
Community Partnership Award for Campus Collaboration
We are thrilled to announce Felisia Thibodeaux as one of the recipient of the esteemed Community Partnership Award for Campus Collaboration at San Francisco State University. Their exceptional commitment to addressing pressing community needs, from affordable housing to youth leadership and support for aging adults and individuals living with disabilities, has left a profound impact on our campus and the broader San Francisco community. Through workshops, assistance programs, and a youth leadership academy, they have demonstrated unwavering dedication to social justice and community empowerment, fostering a sense of belonging and empowerment within our community. Collaborating with SF State, particularly through initiatives like the Resilient OMI Resilience Action Plan and the College Corps program, Felisia has provided invaluable experiential learning opportunities for our students, empowering them to make meaningful contributions while addressing real-world challenges. Their innovative approaches in building connections between campus and community, along with inclusive practices that encourage broad participation, reflect our shared commitment to honoring and respecting diversity and assets within both institutions.
We are thrilled to announce Delia Fitzpatrick as as one of the recipient for the Community Partnership Award for Campus Collaboration at San Francisco State University's Annual Civic and Community Engagement Awards. Their exceptional leadership and advocacy have enriched the lives of individuals and families in San Francisco communities, demonstrating a strong commitment to inclusive community development. Through initiatives such as The Good Rural, they address disparities and raise awareness and resources for underserved rural communities, fostering collaboration between SF State and the broader community. Their collaboration with SF State, particularly through initiatives like the Resilient OMI Resilience Action Plan and the College Corps program, provides invaluable experiential learning opportunities for our students, empowering them to address real-world challenges and build connections between campus and community. We commend Delia for their inclusive practices and shared commitment to fostering relationships that honor and respect the diversity and assets of both our institution and communities.
Staff Award for Excellence in Community Engagement
We are delighted to announce Raul Contreras as the recipient of the Staff Award for Excellence in Community Engagement. Their exceptional dedication to outreach and engagement within Bay Area communities, both personally and professionally, has made a profound impact on our institution. Through their numerous roles within the Engineering department and beyond, including office manager, MESA Coordinator, advisor for ESAB, and involvement in various student initiatives, they have demonstrated outstanding leadership, compassion, and dedication. Raul’s tireless efforts in supporting students, organizing events, and creating opportunities for growth and development have significantly contributed to our institution's culture of engagement. Their unwavering commitment to fostering a supportive and inclusive environment, supporting student organizations, and promoting leadership development have left a mark on the SF State community, and we extend our heartfelt congratulations and deepest gratitude for their remarkable contributions.
