ECSU Student From Manchester Receives Distinguished Service Award

WILLIMANTIC, CT - Eastern Connecticut State University hosted its annual Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Distinguished Service Awards ceremony on Feb. 24. Three awards were presented; to a faculty or staff member, a student and a community member.

The awards honor the individuals' commitment to an integrated society, leadership in serving a diverse community and activities that increase diversity.

Courtney Callaway, a senior from Manchester, received the student award. A Social Work major, she is a first-generation college student who has recently been accepted into Boston College's master's program in Advanced Standing Clinical Social Work (Master of Social Work). The Boston College School of Social Work is ranked 10th in the country.

"I'm still in shock that I was even nominated. To know that people see me fit for this award is powerful," said Callaway.

She is a member of the Senior Class Committee, the Student Advisory Council, and also a mentor for the Peer Mentor Initiative. Callaway has worked with the Campus Activity Board assisting in the creation of inclusive events for the Eastern community and also served as the secretary for the Black Student Union.

"One of my biggest accomplishments at Eastern would have to be graduating in May. I am the only student in my Dual Enrollment cohort who will be graduating," Callaway said.

In conclusion, she stated, "I will continue serving and advocating for underrepresented communities. This knowledge and foundation has set a standard for all my work to follow. I will only grow in this area and increase my knowledge and skills at Boston College."