Campus Compact honors Holdaway, Lueck

Jessica Holdaway and Wade Lueck, Ph.D., were recognized by the Utah Campus Compact for their outstanding dedication to service in SLC. The recognition program honors a student, faculty and community partner from each college or university in Utah.
Service has always been incorporated into Holdaway’s life. Born and raised in Carbon County, she became actively involved in making a difference. In high school, she was involved in Carbon Students Against Destructive Decisions (CSADD) and FCCLA. While in FCCLA she was secretary for two years and president for one year. During this time she participated in a fundraiser for a child with leukemia. CSADD enabled her to become a part in drug awareness in her school. She helped Red Ribbon Week and the group MADD (Mother’s Against Drunk Driving).
Her involvement continued as she entered college. In her first year, she was a CEU Ambassador. Amongst her many responsibilities, the ambassadors helped with many service projects with the SUN Center including the Hunger Banquet and Bread and Soup Night.
This past year, she has been the dedicated student leader over Head Start in Price and spends numerous hours serving the teachers and children. These children are in definite need of extra attention and support to gain the skills to excel. She has a, “desire to be a ‘big sister’ for the kids and be an example for them.”
Her success is a testament to her devotion to this project. Head Start is given an allotment of money for each hour a volunteer spends at the center. Last semester, Holdaway dedicated 80 hours.
Not only does she contribute a portion of her time to serving with the SUN Center, supporting fellow leaders, and a full-time student, but she also serves as executive assistant on ASCEU. She is also on the Student Fees Allocation Committee, and supports other members on ASCEU with their projects and activities.
It didn’t take long for Lueck to be voted Teacher of the Year, by CEU students. He joined the CEU’s faculty in fall 2004 and came in strong to make an impact on students. Upon graduating Brigham Young University with his doctorate degree, Lueck completed his residency at Michigan State University, then moved to CEU as the professor of psychology. He became receptive to the service-learning program and promptly implemented it into his curriculum. For a portion of their grade, students in the class must serve in the community and observe psychology in action.
Lueck inspires many students and has, “Increased insight into how one lives and interacts with others,” by offering service learning. He believes that the, “connection to others and the community is enhanced … [and by] providing service reduces selfish thought which can decrease a variety of mental health issues.”
A firm believer of service-learning, Lueck stated, “Much of the class material is enhanced when students can see real life examples. This connection with the material is vital for long term retention as well as integration into what we discuss in the class. The principles of psychology and that human connection, in my opinion are important for the good life. Many students see the connections of psychology in potential careers, relationships, parenting and other important areas.”
His dedication to this class truly enhances and enriches the students. After taking a class from Lueck, psychology in fact becomes more than just a course to cover general requirements; it becomes real. We sincerely appreciate the impact he has made.