Utah State University shone a spotlight on the standout efforts of its community during the Center for Community Engagement’s awards ceremony. Held at the Taggart Student Center Sunburst Lounge on April 16, the event celebrated faculty, staff, students, alumni, and local partners for their commitment to community betterment. "Honoring these individuals and partners reminds us that community engagement is a powerful force for change and a shared responsibility to build stronger, more connected communities," said Giselle Bandley, from the Center for Community Engagement, according to USU Today.
Among the honorees, Katie Kraus received the Community-Engaged Faculty Award for her innovative approach to teaching nutrition and dietetics that tackles food insecurity and health outcomes through actionable projects. Recognized for leadership, Jennifer Cortez's work with the USU Honors Program has cultivated powerful nonprofit relationships while strengthening platforms such as the W.A.B. Warming Center and the No More a Stranger Foundation, as noted by USU Today.
Nowrin Fatema, whose research and advocacy span the spheres of environmental justice and refugee assistance, was the recipient of the Community-Engaged Student Award. Her work extends from ecological restoration in Utah to global refugee resettlement initiatives. Danny Beus, another award winner, was celebrated for his ongoing efforts in easing the transition for refugees, working closely with both the Cache Refugee and Immigrant Connection and the International Rescue Committee.
Adding to the accolades, the City of Logan Parks & Recreation was acknowledged with the Committed Community Partner Award for their nearly three-decade tenure of partnership with the USU America Reads program, touching the lives of Cache Valley's children through their free after-school programs. Additional honorees included Faculty Fellows in Community Engagement and students across service-oriented programs like Christensen Community Scholars and One Utah Service Fellowship, all dedicated to fostering a legacy of engagement and service within the university and the broader community, as per USU Today.
