2017 Community Engagement Awards May 19th, 2017 Excerpt from the emcee script, which was delivered by multiple people throughout the ceremony. Welcome to our celebration of some very dedicated individuals who have been deeply involved with the Warren Wilson community and surrounding area. Today we honor eight students, a staff member, two faculty members, and a community partner—all who have demonstrated their dedication to community by making important connections and inspiring others through their work. This year we recognize eight students who have engaged in remarkable service to our community during their years at Warren Wilson. To be eligible for this award, a student must have completed at least 200 service hours. Once that group was identified, the community engagement advisory committee considered the depth and breadth of service activity. The eight students we honor today are truly special, as many of you already know! These students have completed over 6,000 hours of service over their time here at Warren Wilson! I am sure you are all feeling as inspired as I am by the work of these special students. The following pages contain the stories read during the ceremony as awards were presented.
Alix Rivard Written and Presented by Heaven Valentine May 19th, 2017 The following award is being presented to Alix Rivard. This student is one of the hardest workers I
have come to know, but she isn’t one to proclaim it because of her incredible sense of humility. Even
though Alix came in as a transfer student, she still managed to complete a remarkably large amount of
community engagement hours. She not only shows drive but exemplifies it. The work she does is much more than service. Alix has passion and that is reflected in the work that she does and in the voices of those who have experienced working with her. She is thoughtful in, and committed to, her work and strong and adept in making authentic connections.
Alix was a student leader for an old Warren Wilson program called Common Ground, an English as
a Second Language course, taught by a former teacher here. It was a service learning course focused on cross cultural understanding. When this program ended in the summer, the department needed a new
PEG 2 course. Alix had already, through her own initiative established a summer internship with a Latino outreach program at the local organization Bounty and Soul. Because of the relationship she had formed with this community partner, Alix was able to connect Professor Christine Swoap with Bounty and Soul and help create the new PEG 2 course.
While interning with the Latino engagement program at Bounty and Soul Alix showcased her
leadership abilities. Her being bi-lingual helped the staff, because they were lacking people who were fluent in spanish. She helped canvas with other interns in surrounding neighborhoods to spread info about health and wellness and recipes. While interning in this program Alix helped with growth and
expansion. Thanks to her efforts, this past summer the program gained exposure and the population at the market began growing.
Alix also volunteered two consecutive years at MANOS, a Latinx youth mentoring program that
stands for, Mentoring And Nurturing Our Youth. Alix also tutored at juntos, and in October she
volunteered at Owen Middle School in an event called Felicidad Y Salud, a Latino outreach program of Bounty & Soul.
A couple underlining themes were mentioned by all of the the people I spoke with about this
student, including Alix's open-mindedness, her ambition, and her initiative. All look forward to seeing where your future takes you and all of the great things your commitment to service will bring. Congratulations Alix Rivard.
Austin Fust Written by Tayla Clark Presented by Christian Perry May 19th, 2017 Austin Fust is truly one of the most unique and inspiring students Warren Wilson
has ever seen. She is leaving behind a legacy of unwavering responsibility and effortless leadership, and her time spent here will not be easily forgotten. She has made a lasting
impact on students, professors, and community partners Through her numerous projects at Warren Wilson, which all included the same two themes: psychology and community
engagement, Austin seamlessly found a way to integrate both into her classes and work.
Not only did she find ways to explore these passions for herself, she also introduced and created opportunities for fellow students to become involved.
During her time at Warren Wilson, Austin completed two service-learning courses,
including Biopsychology I and Psychology, Mental Health, and Distress. In the latter class, Austin helped her professor Bob Swoap integrate service into the learning goals of the
course. Professor Swoap shared that “Austin was instrumental in co-leading and facilitating this project,” and that she used “her passion, knowledge, experience, and skills in helping create an optimal community-campus-student partnership.”
Austin also interned at Hope Community Resources, an agency that supports
individuals with disabilities, organized and facilitated two issue workshops focused on
music and memory, and incorporated community engagement into her capstone thesis,
completing around 100 hours of research with Black Mountain Neuro-Medical Treatment
Center (BMNTC). Brenda Ross, volunteer coordinator with BMNTC shared that Austin “has
grown over the years to become more competent with not only our residents at BMNTC but with her peers as a leader.”
As she graduates from Warren Wilson, we will all miss her and her “combination of
professionalism, leadership, clear-headed decision-making, and passionate engagement,” that Professor Swoap believes makes her such a great member of our community.
Professor Burleson was definitely right when she said that no matter where she goes
“Austin will be making the world a better place and people around her will be stoked to have her on their team or in their life.”
Emily Odgers Written and Presented by Annie Gibbs May 19th 2017 When I meet a person for the first time two things happen. I form an impression,
which is little more than unconsciously evaluating that person with my experiences and the perspectives I have developed. The second is much more fun and intentional. It’s wondering if my first impressions would be proven right.
With Emily, her first impression is about as subtle as a 9.5 MMS earthquake and she
blows the top out of exceeding expectations.
Shuli Archer, Director of Bonner Leadership Initiatives, had a insightful first
impression of Emily. “I remember very clearly the day I met Emily. She was a prospective student asking about how students are taught about privilege and oppression in the
context of service and how student leaders are trained to facilitate. I rarely if ever hear
prospective students ask such critical questions about our work.” Another 9.5er for Emily.
But the thing about Emily is that what you see, first impression wise, isn’t what you
get. What you get is more like sucking on a red hot fireball.
Here is that fireball Emily in the mouth of Dr. Laura Vance. “Emily sees social
injustice at multiple levels at once: empirically and theoretically, but also politically and sociologically and historically, and, most importantly, as inequalities impact individual lives.” That was volcanic. It was like the tsunami following the 9.5 earthquake.
Emily has done an incredible amount of community engagement. She worked with
local schools, was involved in several break trips including the one she lead in Georgia with Jubilee Partners. She interned for American Friends Service Committee of Western NC and Friends of Children. I had the privilege of working with Emily on our Bonner in the Youth and Education program. I know first hand what Emily does. Emily’s potential is only limited by the hours in a day.
I can tell you and I am sure that everyone on this campus who’s had the privilege of
working with Emily will agree, her skill set is 3 dimensional. Her intellect and insight is
luminous. Her character is uncharacteristic. Her commitment is kamikaze. Emily you’re not just a kind hearted genious, you’re sort of my super hero, and I have every faith that you’ll go on to save the world.
Evan Mercier Written and Presented by Yadira Sanchez-Esparza May 19th, 2017 “Warren Wilson, as a community, is abundant in extraordinary individuals that defy the
mold of what it means to be a student in higher education. To be a successful student here one must be passionate about work, education and service. Evan Mercier’s presence and
contributions on campus have enriched the experience of many at Warren Wilson. Evan is a great friend and beyond our beautiful 10,000 acres he has also created strong relationships with those in the community.In his four years at Wilson, Evan has fulfilled and surpassed the simple expectations of what it means to have sustained community engagement.
His professor Marty O’Keefe remarked that, “doing things with quality is how he
approaches anything he does.” This reflects his attitude in his academic studies but also in other facets of his life. During Evan’s time here, he has worked with the ArtSpace Charter
School as well as the Franklin School of Innovation. Evergreen Community Charter School and Brother Wolf Animal Rescue are two more of the community partners he has worked with. Additionally he worked in a leadership position for a Break trip with the Adirondac Mountain Club a role he filled confidently. His community service has explored different interests and strengths of Evan’s.
His commitment to community engagement can be seen through his devotion of
over 500 hours to the Riceville Volunteer Fire Department. Last year, Evan was named firefighter of the year, Captain Jason McEntire attributes this award to his eagerness to
learn, work ethic and constant willingness to go above and beyond. Evan was also invited to a National Instructor Conference which is a testament to his dedication to the
department. His leadership skills and authenticity has allowed him to become respected by his peers and teachers.
I was in conversation with many people to write this celebrative speech for Evan.
All of them had nothing but praise for his character. Meaningful relationships are abundant
in Evan’s life one of which is the brotherhood of firefighters from 2251 Riceville Rd. Myself
and others who know Evan personally can affirm the authenticity in his actions, the respect in his character and the kindness in his heart. There is no doubt in my mind that Evan will continue to lead others with his positivity in the future.”
Melvis Madrigal Written by Chandler Scott-Smith Presented by Brian Wuertz May 19th, 2017 Melvis Madrigal has shown throughout his time at Warren Wilson a passion for, and dedication to,
meaningful community engagement that goes well beyond the expectations of any service program. During his time on the Bonner Leaders Crew, and well before, he demonstrated his commitment to
serving Hispanic and Latino youth in Asheville and the surrounding area, specifically though his four years as a mentor and program coordinator for MANOS, a local program whose name stands for
Mentoring and Nurturing Our Students and is also the Spanish word for “hands.� Melvis worked hard to
support a program that would create real and lasting impacts on the lives of the youth he mentored, and
his commitment is evident, even simply by the fact that throughout his four years with MANOS, he missed only one trip. He devoted even more time and energy to his mentees through a boxing training program
with the Warren Wilson Boxing Club, both of which he founded. Despite an already demanding agenda as a senior and student member of the Presidential search committee, he worked with these students
extensively and used the challenging athletic program as an opportunity to teach self-reflection and constructive peer feedback, and to appreciate the reward of hard work and perseverance.
Additionally, Melvis took part in two break trips surrounding immigration, and he was the leader
of one of them. He completed several internships with the Mountain Area Health Education Center, and he served on the UNCA Me2We conference committee and was a conference presenter.
Many of the people he has worked with describe him as driven, genuine, and a natural mentor. He
has a great passion for giving back to his community and a willingness to be vulnerable to help youth. He has given his mentees something to strive for through always being himself and creating an honest experience with all whom he works.
The MANOS participants were asked to give three words to describe Melvis, and here are a few: Amidable, serviciado, divertido Fun, awesome, good friend
Hard-working, focused, big guiding figure
As an active, academically strong student and an accomplished athlete, Melvis is a profoundly
effective positive role model for the MANOS youth and his devotion to their success, both in school and in life, is an embodiment of the community engagement ideal at Warren Wilson College.
Michelle Beers Written & Presented by Christian Perry May 19th, 2017
M- Monumental, I- Illuminating, C- Caring, H- Hysterically Funny, E- Energetic, L- Loving, L- Legendary, E- Encouraging
I can continue on and on with adjectives that describe Michelle. For example, Michelle is a
go getter, a self starter, and a natural born leader with the ability to facilitate reflection that is both meaningful and engaging. Because of Michelle’s skills, Michelle’s field advisor Sarah
Himmelheber said that Michelle has been an asset at Pisgah Legal and a highly desirable intern. Jacob, a friend of Michelle’s, does a great job to attest to Michelle’s desirability. Jacob
speaks to the unique aspect that Michelle takes every characteristic of her identity and uses her personal experiences to help others. Jacob expanded to say that you, Michelle, have openly
expressed that you are a first generation student, and that is a part of your identity. You took this
part of your identity, which can be a sensitive topic, and embraced it. Over the past two years you have been the spearhead of the first generation events on campus.
Michelle is so dependable and is able to provide a transformative experience for students.
These characteristics helped Michelle’s advisor Lucy Lawrence agree to be a learning partner to the Biltmore Break Trip spring of 2016 working with Youth and Education.
During the process of writing this letter, I learned so much about Michelle. People shared
that Michelle has a personality that lights up a room when she enters and has a way of putting
you at ease while also being honest at the same time. Michelle, you will always be remembered by the Warren Wilson community for your laugh, your smile, your poise, your curiosity, and your “light up the world” personality.
We look forward to knowing the ways you continue to help others. Congratulations
Michelle on your award and thanks for being deeply committed to helping others.
Pearl-Lynnaé Smith Written and Presented by Brian Wuertz May 19th, 2017 Pearl exemplifies the values of true community engagement. She engages her whole
self in every level of community, from organizing the Black Student Union and mentoring Bonner Student Leader crew members on campus, to providing mentorship to young
people in the YWCA afterschool program and organizing for economic justice with the
Eagle Market Streets Development Corporation in Asheville. It is this kind of integrity and dedication to strengthening communities and empowering individuals that is truly inspiring to so many of us.
Christian Perry, Pearl’s co-facilitator of the YWCA afterschool program, sums up the
immense impact Pearl has had when she says, “Pearl serves as an example to the students at YWCA that they can do whatever it is that they put their minds to.” This is how Pearl
works in the world. I know that Pearl personally inspires and challenges me every day to engage with my privilege and work for justice in all of my actions.
A great testament to how deeply Pearl touches the people and community she
works with is how easily I was able to connect with her former internship supervisor.
When I emailed Stephanie Swepson-Twitty, President and CEO of Eagle Market Streets
Development Corporation, asking if she would be willing to share with me a little about her experience with Pearl, she emailed me back in all caps “ABSOLUTELY.” When the president of a busy non-profit is that eager to make time to talk about a former intern, you know that conversation is going to be special. She describes Pearl as an “old soul, a very mature
individual when it comes to socio-economic understanding” and who embraces “forward thinking in her approach to community economic development”.
Pearl works hard to equip others in her community with tools to dismantle the
systems of oppression that are so firmly entrenched in our society and she does this
through individual empowerment and policy level advocacy. Pearl has a quote by Audre
Lorde on her wall above her desk which is a constant reminder of her deep understanding of systematic racism and inequality and informs her creative commitment to promoting
social justice--“The master’s tools will never dismantle the master’s house”, but I have no doubt that Pearl’s will.
Sydney Grange Written and Presented by Alyssa Logan May 19th 2017 I have the honor of recognizing a student who has shown a tremendous amount of initiative,
commitment, and passion here at Warren Wilson College. Sydney Grange. The achievements Sydney has made goes above and beyond the mission of Warren Wilson. She has been a phenomenal student here and in her four years and has dedicated her academics, work, and community engagement to environmental social justice.
Sydney served on the Environmental and Social Justice Crew as a student organizer. She was able
use her work on the ESJ Crew to create engagement and educational opportunities for her fellow students. Sydney planned logistics for 75+ students to attend environmental and social justice
conferences and events across the East Coast, while also finding numerous ways to involve students in
volunteer opportunities by coordinating with off-campus organizations such as the Southern Appalachian Mountain Stewards and the Sierra Club.
Sydney is a member of Beyond Extreme Energy and serves as the liaison between the organization
and the students at Warren Wilson, and in that role she has helped with coordinating actions and
protests. Sydney's passion around renewable energy placed her as a Field Manager at Environment
California, where she assisted with a statewide campaign to ban hydraulic fracturing. Following this placement Sydney became an active member of the successful student-led fossil fuel divestment campaign of Warren Wilson.
In addition, Sydney has also led trips with the People’s Climate March, Pope’s Congressional Visit,
HKonJ, and a Mountaintop Removal Service Trip to Appalachia, V.A. For the Mountaintop Removal break
trip Sydney created a curriculum, called “Grassroots: The Fundamentals”, to expand student’s knowledge of the issues found within that community and what they would be doing to assist them
While talking with Professor Amy Knisley about Sydney, she said “From the very beginning I’ve
been struck by how she gets high profile stuff done, in a low profile way. She doesn't take herself too seriously, but she has high standards and does good work. Things don’t trip her up, if she makes a mistake she learns from it.”
Sydney is efficient, organized, determined, and takes initiative. Sydney was a fantastic leader in
community engagement during her time here. I know that she will continue to make a difference in individuals and communities throughout the rest of her career. Congrats Sydney.
Amy Knisley Written & Presented by Hamal Yasmine Steward May 19th, 2017 Our next award is the Andrew Summers Faculty Award for Leadership in Service.
Andy served as the Minister to Students from 1991 until his untimely death in 2008. He
used service as a way to enhance learning in his courses, providing a positive focus on the
power of love and laughter to change the world. It is in Andrew Summers memory that we award this year’s faculty award for leadership in service to both Amy Knisley & Rima Vesely-Flad.
Amy Knisley is a professor at WWC that makes students' education meaningful and
multifaceted by going beyond the classroom and into the community. Amy offers many
opportunities for students to become engaged with their community and issues they are
passionate about. In addition to her work as a professor, Amy serves as a supervisor on the Environmental and Social Justice Crew. Amy allows students on her crew autonomy while still being willing to help out when needed. For example, with Amy’s guidance students
have designed and implemented an eight week educational framework and spring break service trip.
Amy’s classes were described by some of her students as “one part history, one part
economics, one part natural science, and - of course - a good dose of political theory,” but what amazes students is how seamlessly Amy bridges these fields of academia. Perhaps,
the interdisciplinary approach is due to the fact that Amy is also an on the ground activist. She has lead students on trips to HK on J as well as the People’s Climate March.
As one of her students explained “Any student that finds their way into Amy’s
classroom, under Amy’s supervision on the ESJC, or under her guidance in the
Environmental Studies Department will have a more rewarding educational experience and will achieve things they never dreamed possible.” The Center of Community
Engagement is proud to present Amy Knisley with the Andrew Summer’s award.
Rima Vesely-Flad Written & Presented by Hamal Yasmine Steward May 19th, 2017 Rima is an essential beacon of justice in our college community. Her empathy
provides a necessary ground of inspired trust which challenges students to work at their
highest academic ability and deepen their connections with community engagement. She
connects course curriculum, community engagement, and critical reflection in her classes and in her work with the community at large. Whether on a trip to Ferguson, Missouri to
support the Black Lives Matter movement or teaching a course in the local Women's Prison, Rima exhibits compassion in her activism and her classroom. She has even gone so far as
to open up her home as a safe space for students of color in the wake of last semester’s hate crimes.
Rima is a constant pillar of strength for her students. She is a model for what
resiliency in activism looks like. She is always the first stand up for justice and the last to
take credit. She gives access, builds relationships over time, and is completely dedicated to
the full process of community engagement. Rima requires that her students gain a sense of self-awareness. By ensuring that students are working on themselves, the theory that she
teaches in her class expands to the entire surrounding Western North Carolina community. Without Rima, this college would not be nearly as active or actively informed.
The Center for Community of Engagement is honored to present Rima Vesely-Flad
with the Andrew Summers award.
Brian Ammons Written and Presented by Michelle Beers May 19th, 2017 The Thomas Crumpler staff award for leadership in service is named after Mr.
Crumpler who spent over 20 years as a volunteer for the college working with carpentry
and church relations. He was always a tireless supporter and advocate for student service, from leading break trips to leading by his example. And we are delighted to have his wife
here with us today as a special guest. I would like to introduce Pat Crumpler. Thank you. It is in his honor that we recognize a staff member with outstanding contributions to community engagement.
Brian began as Chaplain and Director of Spiritual Life at Warren Wilson in 2012.
Since then he has acted as professor, mentor, supervisor, co-conspirator, and a friend to myself and many others of us here at the college. During his time here Brian’s work has
spanned from local to international. He has led students to Philadelphia, Northern Ireland,
Scotland, and as close to home as downtown Asheville. And his focus has not solely been on students. Brian is always working to better serve staff and faculty as well. For staff and
faculty he has acted as a vocational guide through a program called the Cairn Fellows which he has tirelessly pushed forward with the help of two other colleagues.
In these roles, and through these experiences, Brian has exhibited a deep
commitment in elevating each community member he has worked with by illuminating their individual strengths and passions, and even their quirks. He never fails in making everyone feel welcome regardless of where they are or the work at hand.
No matter if Brian is teaching in the classroom, driving back late at night from a
Moral March in Raleigh, or trying to figure out your Ennegram type, he brings deep
patience, a welcoming heart, and a curious intellect to his leadership and community engagement. Importantly, Brian does not shy away from challenge: physical, mental,
emotional, or spiritual. He leads with bravery and in a way that reminds us all we each have our own, deep wells of courage to drawn from in moments of doubt and uncertainty in our world.
This award is well-deserved and it is my honor to present it to you, Brian. We are
grateful for you. Congratulations!
South Asheville Cemetery Association Written & Presented by Hamal Yasmine Steward May 19th, 2017 The Grace Lee Peace Award was first established at Warren Wilson in 1999 by Grace Lee and her three children. As a Highland Farmer Centenarian, Mrs. Lee practiced peace in
unique and creative ways. The award was created for the purpose of honoring “unheralded sojourners who have advanced the cause of peace.” It is my pleasure to present this year’s award to the South Asheville Cemetery Association.
In the summer of 1973 a young writer named Alice Walker, traveled to Fort Pierce,
Florida in search of the grave of a woman who had inspired her writing. Soon she came
upon a segregated cemetery, with overgrown weeds as the cemetery had been abandoned many years before. That is where the grave of Zora Neale Hurston - author of Their Eyes Were Watching God - was discovered, in an overgrown cemetery without a headstone because she was too poor at the time of her death to afford one.
The South Asheville cemetery was in similar conditions when Deacon George Taylor
first began restoration of this sacred ground. In his retirement, Deacon George Taylor of St. John "A" Baptist Church invited Warren Wilson College students to restore the South
Asheville Cemetery. Three decades of partnership with Warren Wilson College and the landscaping work of Archeology, History, and Appalachian Studies majors have
transformed the South Asheville Cemetery into the gorgeous site it is today.. The communal effect of so many members of the congregation, Wilson students, and Kenilworth
community members assures that those buried in the South Asheville Cemetery will not
share Zora Neale Hurston’s fate. As Jeff Keith said, the dedicated and consistent restoration work demonstrates a “common commitment to justice and the dignity of life”.
It is in memory of Deacon George Taylor that the Center for Community Engagement
is proud to award David Quinn, Ellen Pearson, George Gibson, Olivia Metz, Eula Hall and the entire South Asheville Cemetery Association with this year’s Grace Lee Peace Award for Community Leadership.