Drexel Presents Annual Leadership Award To Homeless Advocate Dr. Addie Ellis

Addie Ellis was presented with the Carl “Tobey” Oxholm III Leadership Award at Drexel’s University’s recent commencement in Sacramento.

The award was created by the Graduate Student Association to recognize “leadership in the classroom and in the community.”

The Leadership Award is a large silver bowl, mounted on an impressive wooden base that has the names of all the recipients. Tobey Oxholm was the inaugural leader for Drexel University Sacramento.

Ellis, who earned her doctorate degree in the Education Leadership and Management program, was one of the 127 graduates who were awarded master’s level diplomas on June 22 at Sacramento’s historic Crocker Art Museum.

It was the third commencement ceremony for Drexel University Sacramento. There were 104 students who received master’s or post-baccalaureate level degrees, and 23 were awarded doctorate degrees.

“Addie Ellis has been a leader among leaders in her tenure at Drexel. She is an extremely worthy recipient of this award,” said Dr. Sandra Kirschenmann, Associate Vice Provost and Executive Director for Drexel University Sacramento. “Drexel has created a culture, and an expectation of service and philanthropy. This group of graduates continues that legacy.”

A Senior Fellow of the Nehemiah Emerging Leader’s Program, Ellis is the Youth Policy Initiative Director and works on issues of youth homelessness for Sacramento Steps Forward. She is also a part-time professor at St. Mary’s College in Moraga and a Board member for Capitol Collegiate Academy. Ellis also served as the secretary for the 2012-2013 Sacramento Graduate Student Association.

A graduate of Highlands High School in Sacramento, Ellis has been an educator for much of her life. She is the co-founder of the Global Youth Charter High School in Antelope and served as its Principal for six years.

Ellis volunteers at the Mustard Seed School, a program associated with Loaves and Fishes that helps to educate homeless children in Sacramento.

“We have so many tremendous leaders in this year’s graduating class, so it’s very humbling to be singled out for the Oxholm award,” Ellis said. “"I’m truly honored.”

Drexel – a top-ranked, national comprehensive university – currently offers students seven master's, one doctorate and one post-baccalaureate program designed for working professionals in the fields of entrepreneurial business, human resource development, higher education and health care.

In September 2013, Drexel will launch its first full-time undergraduate program in business for students who have finished at least the first two years of their undergraduate education.

For more information about Drexel University Sacramento’s programs in California, visit www.drexel.edu/sacramento or call (888) 389-3781 or (916) 325-4600.