The Volunteer and Service Learning Center recently recognized the November 2012 outstanding student volunteer and outstanding student organization for their dedication to contributing to the Austin community!
Casey Locey, social work junior, was selected by Latinitas as the outstanding student volunteer for November. Casey has volunteered with Latinitas for about a year and immediately found herself a place within the organization. Mentoring Latina youth through camps, after school clubs and workshops, Casey’s involvement as a Club Leader has been greatly appreciated throughout the organization.
Casey began volunteering to receive credit, but stayed because she enjoyed working with the young girls. “It’s just awesome to see the girls grow and change so much after events!” Casey said when asked about her recent favorite participation in the Tech Chica Conference.
Latinitas nominator, Samantha Lopez, says, “Even with the time devoted to the after school clubs, Casey still finds time to attend tabling opportunities and Saturday Camps that we host at libraries in Austin; she is always willing to help!”
The recognized outstanding student group were volunteers from the College of Pharmacy who participated in UT Project Collaborate. Project Collaborate is a combined project of all student organizations, resources and manpower within the College of Pharmacy in efforts to interact with patients and promote the profession of pharmacy. Project Collaborate joined forces at the Dia de la Mujer Latina Health Fiesta on October 20th. Health awareness, screenings and prevention care were provided at the event to the underserved Latino community.
Calyste Corrington, Dia de la Mujer Latina event member, commended Project Collaborate for their dedication. “They were on time, prepared with all necessary materials, were in attendance with preceptors from the College of Pharmacy and really connected well with the people they served.”
Co-chairs Darlene Nguyen and Christina Chang felt that Project Collaborate would have never been such a great success had it not been for its community supporters, leaders and certified preceptors who took time out of their schedules to overlook the event, including Grace Kim and Catherine Pham who hosted Dia de la Mujer. “We would like to recognize and thank the deans and administration at the UT College of Pharmacy, and also thank Tarrytown Pharmacy, HEB and CVS for their support and generous donations. Lastly, our faculty advisor, Mrs. Sharon Rush, needs to be thanked for her tireless commitment to our initiative” Darlene said.
Overall Project Collaborate’s main mission was achieved: “to provide awareness to what the pharmacy profession really is, along with servicing the community,” Christina concluded.
The VSLC encourages anyone to nominate a current outstanding volunteer or student organization that demonstrates dedication, commitment and exceptional service! Nominations for the month of December are open until January 30 at 5 p.m.