Utah Campus Compact recognizes four as civically engaged

This archived article was written by: Kathy Murray

Three USU-CEU personnel and the director of the food bank were honored on Friday, Feb. 11 at the Utah Campus Compact conference and awards luncheon to recognize those who have shown outstanding civic engagement.
Automotive instructor Stan Martineau received the award for being the USU-CEU “Civically Engaged Scholar.” He is a great example of service in action. His students not only learn skills of the automotive trade but what success is by winning national competitions year after year. He shows that being a responsible citizen is important and fulfilling.
Each year Martineau and his students host service projects including a science fair for mentally and physically challenged students and a career fair in Southeastern Utah. He finds ways for students to serve on their time while donating his own. He has done automotive work for those in need, organized a “Pioneer Horse Day” which showcases horses to challenged kids and elderly adults, and recently organized an energy-saving awareness day, which was attended by over 500 people. He served as lieutenant and captain of the Carbon County Sheriff’s Posse and has been involved with Boy Scouts of America for over 30 years.     
Alex Herzog, Ed.D., associate vice chancellor of student services, was recognized as the “Civically Engaged Staff Member.” He is an outstanding example of leadership in civic engagement where he was the instructor for the leadership perspectives class which generated over 300 hours of service.
Last year, Herzog accompanied the Alternative Spring Break group when they served in the Navajo Nation. It was great for the students to work side by side with Herzog who has taken a great interest in the Utah Campus Compact, attending meetings and participating on all matters related to the SUN Center. His leadership provided two VISTA Volunteers to work in the center to do capacity building. He is also a member of the Kiwanis Club and has formed partnerships that have led to several service projects and funding for biodegradable bowls for our next Bread ‘n’ Soup Night.     
Austin Ashcraft was recognized as this year’s “Civically Engaged Student.” He has spent many hours helping others with their assignments and responsibilities, encouraging, tutoring, counseling and serving with them to accomplish their goals. He is a hard worker and is a delightful, cheerful person to be around. He believes that everyone has talents and abilities that allow them to make a difference.
One of the main points that Ashcraft emphasizes is the importance of getting as many people as possible involved. Being in the presidency of the SUN Center, he has tried to engage everybody, helping with whatever needs to be done, and striving to make all feel needed, wanted and appreciated. Because of Ashcraft’s leadership, students were involved in more hours of service fall semester than all of last year: 1,591 volunteers, 119 projects, 5,192.75 hours of service, and a total of $105,153.18 worth of service given to our community.  
Jackie Butkovich, program director of the Carbon County Food Bank, was recognized as this year’s “Committed Community Partner.” She goes the extra mile and has spoken passionately at USU-CEU’s Hunger Banquet, which educates students on hunger issues locally and statewide. Many in attendance expressed their gratitude and credited her for a new enlightened way of looking at their own lifestyles and assisting others. She works extra hours on Halloween to receive food gathered in the “Trick or Treat for Food.” She makes it fun and warms participants up with hot chocolate, cookies and a gracious “thank you.”
Butkovick supports the “Bread ‘n’ Soup Nights.” She is always welcoming, gracious and supportive as students volunteer. Over the past year, through her program, dental work to many deprived people was provided, and she partnered with law enforcement and other agencies to help secure employment for those who could not due to past actions, giving them a second chance and an opportunity to keep moving forward.        
The award recipients have helped accomplish the vision of the Utah Campus Compact to promote civic engagement and prepare students for responsible citizenship.