Minnesota Campus Compact Presidents’ Awards provide an opportunity for university presidents to give statewide recognition to leaders in civic engagement at their institutions. Two individuals and an organization were nominated by Brother William for the awards, which will be presented at the Campus Compact annual summit Thursday, April 19, in Saint Paul.
Receiving our Student Leadership Award is senior Daniel Olajonlu, who was cited for modeling a deep commitment to leadership and civic engagement. He is an active proponent of respect, solidarity, and inclusivity on the Winona Campus as shown by his leadership of Black Students and Allies. Daniel’s quiet guidance on issues of diversity speaks volumes to the students around him. He also received the Outstanding Male Senior Award earlier this year.
The Winona Community Warming Center will receive our Community Partner Award, cited for working with Saint Mary’s to enhance the quality of life in the community in meaningful and measurable ways, such as providing a safe, warm overnight stay for the homeless population of Winona County every night November-March. Offered through Catholic Charities for the Diocese of Winona, the Winona Community Warming Center works with various community agencies to meet the needs of their guests and is staffed by volunteers, including students.
The Civic Engagement Steward Award will go to Dr. Teresa Taylor, program director for Culturally Responsive Teaching, cited as a leader in promoting culturally responsive engagement. She has worked with faculty, staff, and students on the issues of diversity, inclusion, and intercultural competence. Teresa is a proponent of self-reflection, intentional dialogue, and community engagement, while promoting equitable leadership, organizational effectiveness, and transformative change.