Each April, Lewis University recognizes a variety of students, staff, and faculty members who truly live out the University’s Lasallian mission by awarding the De La Salle Medallions. Honorees are selected in myriad categories, a few of which focus specifically on community engagement.
STUDENT AWARDS
Two outstanding undergraduate students who are also Community Engaged Learning Facilitators (CELFs) were honored this spring with medallions. They include:
Grace Crumbaugh received the De La Salle Medallion for Interfaith Cooperation. This award “honors a student who has demonstrated outstanding leadership and joined with others on campus and in the surrounding community in the work of interfaith dialogue and cooperation.” Grace is a graduating senior who has engaged deeply in University Ministry, Residence Life, and Community Engaged Learning during her time at Lewis. She also helped to revitalize the Lasallian Justice Coalition, which brings together Lewis students, staff, and faculty to act for justice. Congratulations to Grace!
Adriane Distor was awarded the De La Salle Medallion for Excellence in Service and Community Engagement. This medallion lifts up a Lewis University student who “works with community organizations to meet needs and invites others to be more involved with their community.” Adriane is a junior who has worked for the past four semesters with the Disability Resource Center (DRC) in Joliet. Her efforts with the DRC have helped to deepen the collaboration with Lewis and to support students – especially education majors – in engaging directly with high school students enrolled in the DRC SKILLS course, which focuses on independent living for individuals with disabilities. Thanks for your great work, Adriane!
FACULTY AWARD
The Office of Community Engaged Learning has the privilege of facilitating the selection of an outstanding faculty member for the De La Salle Medallion for Excellence in Community Engaged Learning (CEL). This medallion honors a faculty member who effectively links learning and community engagement over multiple semesters, collaborates well with community partners, and who advocates for community-engaged course design. This year’s recipient is Dr. Christie Billups, Associate Professor of Theology and Co-Director of the Peace and Justice Studies program. Dr. Billups served as the Coordinator of Service Learning in the (then) Office of Service Learning and helped the office transition to its current title. She has been a key advocate in CEL pedagogy at Lewis and she has been engaging students in community-based learning experiences for over 10 years. Your dedication is so appreciated, Christie!
What an honor to celebrate all three of these amazing women this year!