It is such a pleasure to celebrate with our Alden Award winners each year, who exemplify the ideals of service-learning. Left to right, Christina Williams, student, Jehanne Gheith, professor, Denise Waters, community partner, Betsy Alden herself, Laurie Hays Coffman, community partner, and Kristen Larson, student.
Christina Williams was recognized for the ways she has demonstrated that community-building and serving the public good are principles that she holds close to her heart through her many co-curricular and academic engagements.
Our 2017 faculty recipient, Jehanne Gheith, Associate Professor of Slavic Languages and Literature and the Program in Education, was chosen for her commitment to all aspects of her work as a service-learning instructor. Her commitment to community partnerships, involvement in the S-L community at Duke, and her ongoing impact noticeable through her students’ continuing service beyond their courses were noted as setting her apart.
This year’s community partner recipients of the Alden Award Denise Waters, Life Enrichment Director at Croasdaile Village retirement center, and Laurie Hays Coffman, Chaplain at Croasdaile Village were praised for the experiences they provide for students. Jehanne Gheith, whose students worked with Waters and Coffman, said, "Creating lively, multifaceted experiences for students and seniors in not an easy task in this culture that provides so few structures for intergenerational relationships; it demands wisdom, skill, good listening, and great relationship building – all of which Laurie Hays Coffman and Denise Waters provide so well and so consistently.”
Kristen Larson impressed the selection committee with the genuine, generous and committed service that she has displayed during her time at Duke.
Congratulations to all our winners! We are honored to work with you all.
