St. Mary’s College of Maryland Celebrates Community Engagement Chuck Steenburgh April 22, 2025 - 1:45 pm
April 22, 2025
Students, Faculty, Staff and Community Partners Honored at Awards Ceremony
Exceptional community service, engagement, and partnership were celebrated during the first annual Community Engagement Awards ceremony held at St. Mary’s College of Maryland (SMCM) on April 17.
Hosted by the Office of Community Outreach and Engagement (OCOE), the event recognized outstanding community engagement by students, faculty, staff and local organizations. Criteria for the awards were aligned with the Carnegie Foundation definition and principles of community engagement; the St. Mary’s Way, which calls on the campus community to “contribute to a spirit of caring and an ethic of service”; SMCM’s The Rising Tide strategic plan; and OCOE’s mission of connecting campus with community.
“SMCM is committed to service, social responsibility and community-based learning,” said Caroline King, director of community outreach and engagement. “These awardees are leaders on campus and changemakers in our region. Their work enhances the campus-community connection and inspires all of us to engage with purpose.”
This year’s awardees were:
The SMCM Community Engagement Awards will be presented annually in the spring. To be notified when nominations open, sign up for OCOE’s newsletter. For more information, email community@smcm.edu.
April 22, 2025
Students, Faculty, Staff and Community Partners Honored at Awards Ceremony
Exceptional community service, engagement, and partnership were celebrated during the first annual Community Engagement Awards ceremony held at St. Mary’s College of Maryland (SMCM) on April 17.
Hosted by the Office of Community Outreach and Engagement (OCOE), the event recognized outstanding community engagement by students, faculty, staff and local organizations. Criteria for the awards were aligned with the Carnegie Foundation definition and principles of community engagement; the St. Mary’s Way, which calls on the campus community to “contribute to a spirit of caring and an ethic of service”; SMCM’s The Rising Tide strategic plan; and OCOE’s mission of connecting campus with community.
“SMCM is committed to service, social responsibility and community-based learning,” said Caroline King, director of community outreach and engagement. “These awardees are leaders on campus and changemakers in our region. Their work enhances the campus-community connection and inspires all of us to engage with purpose.”
This year’s awardees were:
- Li Rizek – Student Community Service Award for exemplary commitment to community service and generous contributions of time and effort that have significantly enriched the community and inspired others to serve.
- Keith Hinton, Director of the Nancy R. and Norton T. Dodge Performing Arts Center – Community Engagement Award for outstanding commitment to community engagement, leadership in fostering partnerships, and unwavering dedication to strengthening connections between the College and the broader community.
- John Cook, Adjunct Professor of Museum Studies – Community Engagement Award for exemplary dedication to community-based teaching and learning and steadfast commitment to experiential education.
- St. Mary’s River Watershed Association – Community Partner Award, for outstanding partnership with St. Mary’s College of Maryland, dedication to enriching student learning through hands-on experience, and commitment to engagement that has made a lasting impact on our campus and community. (Pictured)
- Resource Management Concepts, Inc. – Community Partner Award, for invaluable partnership and steadfast commitment to advancing student success through meaningful professional development opportunities.
The SMCM Community Engagement Awards will be presented annually in the spring. To be notified when nominations open, sign up for OCOE’s newsletter. For more information, email community@smcm.edu.