NEC Community Members Honored with Campus Compact 2011 Presidents’ Awards

Two New England College community members and New Hampshire Public Radio were recently honored with Campus Compact 2011 Presidents’ Awards.

Robert Jamaal Downey, New England College Class of 2011, has been named a Newman Civic Fellow by Campus Compact, a national organization of college presidents dedicated to community service and civic engagement in higher education.

Diane Raymond, Dean of Admission at New England College, was honored with the Presidents’ Good Steward Award at the Campus Compact for New Hampshire’s annual Presidents’ Awards in April.

New Hampshire Public Radio received the Presidents’ Community Partner Award.


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NEC STUDENT RECEIVES NATIONAL RECOGNITION FOR COMMUNITY SERVICE

Robert Jamaal Downey, New England College Class of 2011, has been named a Newman Civic Fellow by Campus Compact, a national organization of college presidents dedicated to community service and civic engagement in higher education. Downey was recognized for his exemplary service to the local, state, and international communities. As the first class of Newman Civic Fellows, 137 students from 30 states were honored for their ability to provide leadership in response to community needs. According to Maureen F. Curley, Campus Compact President, “These students represent the next generation of public problem solvers and civic leaders. They serve as national examples of the role that higher education can—and does play in building a better world.”

In 2009 and 2010, Downey traveled to the Dominican Republic with students and faculty from New England College. The trip was part of a cooperative program with the national organization Orphanage Outreach to organize and provide educational initiatives for the orphanage’s children and to assist in essential renovations to the organization’s facilities. Downey also participated in a similar trip to the Orphanage Outreach program in Nicaragua in 2011. Downey’s contributions to civic engagement in New Hampshire were also recognized. His work with Safe Passage Transportation in Manchester allowed him to serve as a mentor to troubled youth while providing transportation services to meetings and appointments. In April 2011, Downey received a Presidents’ Leadership Award from Campus Compact of New Hampshire. That award is given to an individual student or student organization that demonstrates outstanding contributions to community service, service learning, or civic engagement.

Downey, who is from Weare, New Hampshire, not only received his degree in educational studies from New England College on May 14, but also received the Education Division Award for the highest grade point average. While at New England College, Downey served as a teaching assistant in several multicultural education classes and in 2010 was selected as an Orientation Leader. “Jamaal Downey immediately became involved in campus life at New England College,” said Dr. Hilton Hallock, Vice President for Academic Affairs. “He was quickly recognized by his colleagues as a campus leader and became known for the work that he did on behalf of the community. He truly exemplifies the College’s commitment to civic engagement as a foundation of our educational experience.”

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NEW ENGLAND COLLEGE’S DIANE RAYMOND RECEIVES AWARD

Diane Raymond, Dean of Admission at New England College, was honored with the Presidents’ Good Steward Award at the Campus Compact for New Hampshire’s annual Presidents’ Awards in April. The award is given to a member of the faculty or administration who has contributed his or her expertise in service to the wider community.

Raymond has been a member of the New England College community for the past seven years. In her capacity as Dean of Admission, her initial contact with prospective students at the undergraduate and graduate levels is critical in promoting an educational experience that is founded on civic engagement and experiential learning. Additionally, she plays an important role in advancing the values of the College.

Through her work at the College, Raymond has initiated numerous programs with schools, community agencies, and professional associations that promote college access and preparation. She has worked extensively with prospective students, families, and guidance professionals to provide relevant information and training to assist them in understanding and navigating the college admissions process.

Over the years, she has been actively engaged in organizing undergraduate students to serve as mentors and role models for students in local schools and organizations. She has furthered the outreach to students who may not have considered college an option and launched a college-readiness program for ESL students in Manchester, New Hampshire.

Her commitment to New Hampshire’s youth extends to the community level where she has served on the Board of Directors of Webster House in Manchester, New Hampshire since 2004. Her work on the Board has been focused on developing policies and programs that support the needs of high-risk youth and raising funds to implement them.

“Diane is someone to whom the entire New England College community looks for inspiration,” says President Michele Perkins. “Her enthusiasm and indomitable spirit demonstrate the power of the individual to succeed. I am confident that many of our students have benefited from her professionalism and deep commitment to their educational experience.”

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NHPR RECOGNIZED FOR COMMUNITY PARTNERSHIP

Also recognized at the Campus Compact Presidents’ Awards was New Hampshire Public Radio, recipient of the Presidents’ Community Partner Award. NHPR has partnered with New England College to sponsor student internships as research and production assistants for public affairs programming. The station has also been a key media partner in the broadcast of speakers, debates, and candidate forums. According to Dr. Hilton Hallock, Vice President for Academic Affairs, “NHPR has cultivated a balanced and informed exploration of contemporary issues and encouraged a model of civic engagement that stimulates participation, reflection, and authentic education. NHPR’s commitment to making educational and civic events more accessible to the public has enriched the State of New Hampshire and New England College.