Nominations sought for service awards |
Elizabeth Grimsley |
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Kimmel Leadership Center and the Belleville News-Democrat are accepting nominations for the Community Service Award for SIUE faculty and staff and for the Kimmel Scholarship Award that is given each year to an SIUE student. "We need to recognize those individuals who provide outstanding community service," center director Steve Sperotto said. "Most volunteers are the unsung heroes of society." Sperotto said the awards will recognize those who best exemplify the qualities demonstrated by Carol Kimmel for whom the center is named. Candidates for the Kimmel Scholarship Award must be degree-seeking students with sophomore status or higher, who have contributed to community service within the last two years and have a cumulative grade point average of at least 3.0. "The award is given to recognize outstanding students for their academic achievement and outstanding leadership and community service contributions," Sperotto said. Nominees for the Community Service Award for SIUE faculty and staff can be nominated in six different categories, including social service/social welfare and regional leadership, among others. Nominations may be made for any full-time university employee by a person who has known the candidate for at least two years. The other primary eligibility criteria is the demonstration of an outstanding variety of community service contributions over an extended period. "We are looking for individuals who have made a serious commitment to community service in the metro area," Sperotto said. Sperotto believes the award is important because it helps to reduce the anonymity often associated with volunteer work. Winners will be selected by a committee of faculty, staff and community members who will evaluate the applications according to specific criteria. The awards will be presented at the 12th annual Kimmel Leadership Awards Banquet Apr. 5 at SIUE. The recipient of the faculty and staff award will receive a plaque and recognition at the banquet. The scholarship presented to the student volunteer is a one-year scholarship at Illinois in-state rates for undergraduates. "This means that if a grad student wins the award, they will receive the same amount as an undergrad," Sperotto said. A third award will also be presented at the banquet. The Kimmel Community Service Award will be presented to an Illinois or Missouri resident at least 16 years old who demonstrates outstanding community service and leadership. The Belleville News-Democrat has been involved since the first awards were given, Sperotto said. The organization helps underwrite the banquet and provides support for the recognition of community volunteers. Applications and details of award criteria are available in the Kimmel Leadership Center and in the office of the Vice Chancellor for Student Affairs. Further questions regarding the awards can be answered by Sperotto in the Kimmel Leadership Center at 650-2686. | |