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Wilmington University Student United Way Wins Promising Practice Education Award
Award gives college students an opportunity to learn in different ways and effect positive social change.
The Student United Way organization at Wilmington University was awarded the Promising Practice Education Award at the Student United Way leadership retreat in Arlington, Virginia. The award was presented on September 13, 2015, as a result of the chapter’s volunteer work in the Education through Peace initiative of United Way Worldwide.
Student United Way of Delaware is a campus-based, student-led, community change organization that engages students in the work of the United Way of Delaware to create lasting, positive social change in education, income and health at the university and in the community. The students involved in the organization at the New Castle campus are Dana Twymon, Gabriel Rollins, Sachi Kaskel, Latasha Shorter, Shekinah Reynolds, Shannon Kappler, Carlan Edwards and Joe Cahill.
“Congratulations to Wilmington University’s Student United Way organization for this great honor,” said Michelle A. Taylor, president and chief executive officer of United Way of Delaware. “Wilmington University has dedicated the last forty-seven years to excellence in teaching and academic achievement. Today, Delaware is a better place because of the socially conscientious work of its students. This chapter admirably echoes the sentiment behind Nelson Mandela’s statement, ‘We can change the world and make it a better place. It is in your hands to make a difference.’ Together, we will continue to build a stronger Delaware.”
“It was extremely rewarding for our Student United Way to be recognized on this scale for their work serving and impacting the community,” said Alice Miller, coordinator of student activities at Wilmington University. “Our Student United Way has experienced significant growth under the leadership of club advisor Patty Greene. Patty and I are impressed that this group of students has accomplished so much within a few months,” Miller added.
On May 8 of this year, the Wilmington University chapter put together a year-end program at Southern Elementary School in New Castle, Delaware, entitled “Education through Peace.” During the program, chapter members discussed two very vital topics with the students who attended: bullying and behavior.
"The Wilmington University Student United Way provided an entertaining and informational program at Southern Elementary,” noted Deborah Kelly, a counselor at Southern Elementary. “Students were engaged in the presentation and eager to participate. It was wonderful to have the university students share their enthusiasm for this important topic with our students."
"We were particularly impressed with the way the Student United Way at Wilmington University identified a need, came up with a creative and effective way to meet that need and worked with multiple partners to make it happen, including the United Way and the school systems. The pledge the students recited, which was hung throughout their classrooms, is still being discussed months later and shows the lasting impact of the university students’ work," said Lauri Valerio of United Way Worldwide.
“We are so grateful to have Wilmington University as a trusted partner in the community and helping to improve the quality of life in Delaware,” said Kanani Hines, assistant director of community relations at United Way of Delaware.
About United Way of Delaware
United Way of Delaware’s mission is to maximize the community’s resources to improve the quality of life for all Delawareans. UWD strives to ensure all children start school prepared to learn; adolescents succeed in school and life; individuals and families are financial empowered and everyone has access to quality healthcare. UWD works collaboratively with business, labor, government, nonprofit organizations, academic groups, faith groups, community organizations, concerned citizens and others to affect positive, long-lasting solutions. For more information, to make a contribution, to advocate or volunteer, please visit www.uwde.org or call (302) 573-3700.
About Wilmington University
Wilmington University is a private, nonprofit institution committed to providing flexible, career-oriented, traditional and online associate, undergraduate, graduate and doctoral degree programs. Ranked as the third fastest growing doctoral institution in America 2003 – 2013 by The Almanac of The Chronicle of Higher Education, affordable tuition, academic excellence and individualized attention are hallmarks of the University that enable greater student success in their chosen careers. For more information, contact Wilmington University at 302-356-INFO (4636), via email at infocenter@wilmu.edu, or visit our website: www.wilmu.edu.
