Serving the world

Elliot Dunbar: Serving the world

Posted on April 10, 2018 by Leslie Wells

Elliot Dunbar was awarded the William M. Plater Civic Engagement Medallion.

Elliot Dunbar has served on mission trips and during days of service. He’s been a leader in student organizations and volunteered through local nonprofits. This week, those many avenues of service will be recognized.

Dunbar and three other SPEA students will be honored for their dedication to community service with the William M. Plater Civic Engagement Medallion. The award is named for IUPUI’s former Executive Vice Chancellor and Dean of the Faculties. Dr. Plater was a strong advocate of civic engagement during his career. This award recognizes students who demonstrate a commitment to their communities.

“I am truly honored to receive this award,” Dunbar says. “I have had great mentors throughout my life, and am humbled to receive this medallion and represent them, my family, and SPEA.” (more…)

David Lewis: Leading to Serve

Posted on April 10, 2018 by Leslie Wells

David Lewis received the Plater Medallion for his commitment to community engagement.

Community engagement is the lesson plan for SPEA students — and David Lewis has taken his plan to the streets.

Lewis, is one of four SPEA students to earn the prestigious William M. Plater Civic Engagement Medallion. The award recognizes IUPUI students who demonstrate a commitment to their communities. The medallion is named in honor of IUPUI’s former Executive Vice Chancellor and Dean of the Faculties, who was a strong advocate of civic engagement during his career.

“I was astonished that someone recognized the work I was doing in various communities,” Lewis says. “I intentionally try to work behind the scenes to push the overall goals of an organization and support its efforts. I truly view myself as another member of that community, not as being at the forefront of the group.” (more…)

Double win for SPEA’s Gurleen Kahlon

Posted on April 10, 2018 by Leslie Wells

SPEA's Gurleen Kahlon wearing Plater Medallion for her civic service. — Gurleen Kahlon honored with Top 100 award and Plater Medallion

Gurleen Kahlon has always been motivated to succeed. She has set goals and achieved them at a rapid pace. In fact, she is planning to graduate with a criminal justice degree from SPEA in May, two years earlier than the traditional four-year plan. Yet her education won’t end there. At just 19 years old, Kahlon will begin her next pursuit: a law degree.

When she arrived at IUPUI, Kahlon set her eyes on an ambitious academic schedule, a wide array of community service projects, and one of IUPUI’s most prestigious recognitions: the Top 100 Award. The annual award honors 100 undergraduates who demonstrate academic excellence, campus leadership, and community engagement.

Yet Kahlon not only earned a place among the Top 100 Jags, she also was named a recipient of the William M. Plater Civic Engagement Medallion, acknowledging graduates who have demonstrated and excelled in their commitment to community engagement. (more…)

Spencer Lawson: Serving the community through research

Posted on April 10, 2018 by Leslie Wells

SPEA's Spencer Lawson earned the Plater Medallion for his research and impact on the community. — SPEA’s Spencer Lawson earned the Plater Medallion for his research and impact on the community.

The term “community service” may often conjure images of volunteer projects, donation drives, and fundraising. Yet research on the procedures that govern our cities and towns, as well as the outcomes those procedures have on citizens, is just as critical to improving and engaging in our communities.

It’s that side of service that has earned Spencer Lawson a special recognition for his impact on the community.

He and three SPEA students will be honored for their commitments to community engagement on April 10. All four were awarded IUPUI’s William M. Plater Civic Engagement Medallion, named for IUPUI’s former Executive Vice Chancellor and Dean of the Faculties who was a strong advocate of civic engagement.

“Since my first day at SPEA, I consistently heard that SPEA IUPUI produces graduates who make a difference,” Lawson says. “SPEA alumni look beyond their own lives to engage communities through myriad civic-community engagement experiences.” (more…)

Serving SPEA and students

Posted on April 9, 2018 by Leslie Wells

SPEA's team of student employees (L to R) Judith Atibil, Lauren French, Monica Zachary, Katie Boynton, Jen Popiela, and Jessie Silguero. — SPEA’s team of student employees (L to R) Judith Atibil, Lauren French, Monica Zachary, Katie Boynton, Jen Popiela, and Jessie Silguero.

When you walk into the SPEA Student Services Office, the first face you’ll see likely is that of one of SPEA’s six student workers.

Jen Popiela, Monica Zachary, and Katie Boynton serve as SPEA’s student success assistants, answering student questions, scheduling advising appointments, and ensuring students are aware of the many services SPEA provides.

“When I first became a SPEA student, the front desk worker was the one who welcomed me into the school and made me feel comfortable,” says Zachary, a public safety management major. “I want to make other students feel the same way I did.”

That commitment to fellow students extends beyond the front office. Judith Atibil and Lauren French are experienced peer advisors, connecting SPEA students to their futures. Jessie Silguero is the newest member of their team.

“I wanted to be a student worker for SPEA because I wanted to be more involved in my school,” Silguero says. “This position allows me to make more connections and to give back by helping fellow students who are on the same path that I am.”

Peer advisors are upperclassmen SPEA majors who have been through extensive training to assist in guiding students toward the best resources for academic and professional readiness. One advantage peer advising provides to students is its flexibility and availability of the advisors.

(more…)