Utah Campus Compact Recognition
Utah Campus Compact Statewide Recognition Event recognizes the work of outstanding faculty, staff, students and community partners at member institutions on a statewide level. The April 7 event will recognize award recipients from Brigham Young University, College of Eastern Utah, Dixie State College, LDS Business College, Salt Lake Community College, Snow College, Southern Utah University, University of Utah, Utah College of Applied Technology, Utah State University, Utah Valley University, Weber State University, and Westminster College.
Utah Campus Compact Statewide Recognition Event recognizes the work of outstanding faculty, staff, students and community partners at member institutions on a statewide level. The April 7 event will recognize award recipients from Brigham Young University, College of Eastern Utah, Dixie State College, LDS Business College, Salt Lake Community College, Snow College, Southern Utah University, University of Utah, Utah College of Applied Technology, Utah State University, Utah Valley University, Weber State University, and Westminster College.
The CEU honorees include Civically Engaged Scholar – Carrie Icard, English instructor.
She said, “It’s funny when someone who participates in service is asked why they do it. I don’t believe that they think about why. They don’t do it for accolades, pats on the back or recognition of any kind. It’s innate. They are compelled to try and make the world a better place, to contribute in some small way. It’s just in their make-up.”
Icard has taught her introduction to writing course as a service-learning class for the last 10 years. As part of the curriculum, students find a project, perform the required hours, and write an essay about their experience. This exposure has made profound changes in many students, some of whom become volunteer leaders, others who simply grow from the experience. Additionally, for the last 10 years, she has co-headed CEU’s Bread & Soup Night, a volunteer event that brings together campus and community in the fall. Donations from this event have totaled in excess of $15,000 to the Carbon County Food Bank. Icard has also been involved with several environmental projects on campus, as well as participating in CEU’s Angel Tree.
Civically Engaged Staff Member – Vicki Kulow, purchasing director-EEO officer.
She says, “The more involved I have become with the campus community, I have realized how important it has been to my own personal growth and development. Thanks to the SUN Center students for this wonderful award; it will always be a reminder of why we are here … for the students.”
Kulow came to CEU as a full-time employee 31 years ago. After very strong encouragement from a faculty member, she added college students to her already full life of wife, mother, and full-time worker. She credits students in her classes for her interests in getting involved and since that time has been juggling all her duties and making room for service. Whether learning how to hang sheet rock for the Children’s Justice Center, volunteering at Bread & Soup Night for the local food bank, conducting training sessions for student organizations, or helping in the funding and building of the Dino-Mine Children’s Park, she is growing and changing. She is a quiet force for good, sharing her passion for helping others and her vision of service with her family and friends. Kulow is an example and leader in service to her peers at CEUand a support and strength to the students.
Civically Engaged Student – Mikenzi Bentley, sophomore, speech/language pathology major.
She said, “There is nothing like looking back on a project and knowing that I have made a real difference. As a college student I don’t have much, but I do have time and at the very least I can give that.”
Bentley has a passion for life, but also a great realization that success comes before work only in the dictionary. She knows how to get things going, involve others in her dreams, and make things happen. She has headed CEU’s Alterative Spring Break to the Navajo Nation. Students built ramps, corrals, wood boxes, dog houses, and outhouses, and repaired and painted homes. Each of these projects has to be planned in detail because there are no handy stores around the corner. Food, housing, schedules, and activities take time and leadership. She was chosen to lead this project because she has the leadership skills necessary and has proven herself as vice president of the SUN Center. She has taken part in all the other service projects this year, large or small, from Trick-or -Treat for Food, to the annual Disabilities Luncheon, to making her own crocheted leper bandages for third-world countries. She is an inspiring individual and great example.
Committed Community Partner – Princiapal of Castle Valley Center, Michael Keller.
He said, “We feel that one result of our relationship with CEU and the SUN Center is that genuine friendships are established. Friends naturally look out for one another, and are there when needed helping one another.”
Keller is a man who loves his job. He radiates understanding, delight and joy as he sees his students, as young as four years to as old as 70 years, develop their abilities. As interested volunteer students enter the Castle Valley Center, he encourages them to develop meaningful friendships. He believes the relationship with CEU’s SUN Center volunteers to help his students develop friendships and connections with the community. He refers to this interaction as developing natural supports in the community. This program and support also helps with networking all involved, giving an opportunity to meet new people with various backgrounds, interests and abilities.
