The University of La Verne, recognizing students, staff and groups who exemplify the school’s core values of civic and community service, held its inaugural Spirit of La Verne Awards Tuesday, April 29, at the Church of the Brethren.
A dozen awards were handed out in three categories, and then capping off the event were two special awards that went to longtime educator Dr. Peggy Deal Redman and second-year student Jacqueline Perez Valencia.
Dr. Issam Ghazzawi, associate professor of business management, was presented with one of the five awards in the category of Community Engagement. Ghazzawi is the faculty leader of the ULV chapter of Enactus, a global organization comprised of business students.
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Enactus is involved in a number service oriented projects and entities, including the La Verne-based regional food bank, Sowing Seeds for Life. Vicki Brown, the founder and CEO of Sowing Seeds for Life, was among the several hundred people who attended the awards ceremony.
Other awards in the same category went to Dr. Omid E. Furutan, assistant professor of business management, alumnus Kristine Angel Acosta, student Melissa Mendoza and Hillcrest, a learning and community center affiliated with ULV.
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Diversity and Inclusivity awards went to student Breana Mercedes Mercedes White, staff members Denise M. Guitierrez and Dr. Ingrid Dineen-Wimberly and the Coalition of Diversity organization.
Interfaith Cooperation award recipients were student Tahil Sharma, Dr. Richard Rose, professor of religion and philosophy, and Rev. Jan W. Chase of the Unity Church of Pomona.
Award presenters included university president Devorah Lieberman, university chaplain Zandra Wagoner, chief diversity and inclusivity officer Joy Lei and director of civic and community engagement Marisol Morales.
