2nd Annual Spirit of La Verne Awards Honor Community Excellence

Acts of kindness, generosity and social justice were recognized and celebrated at the second annual Spirit of La Verne awards hosted on Tuesday, April 28.

Members of the University of La Verne, the City of La Verne and surrounding communities gathered at the Church of the Brethren in La Verne to honor individuals and groups who exemplify the University’s core values.

Students, faculty, alumni, staff and community leaders were recognized for their exemplary dedication to civic and community engagement, diversity and inclusivity and interfaith cooperation.

“Excellence deserves recognition. A character of integrity, sound ethics, and spirit of giving back to one’s community has an immeasurable impact on others,” said President Devorah Lieberman.

Community Relations & Outreach Director Sharon Cruz-McKinney took home the highest honor of the night for her work with the Master’s Academy, a program she began that unites University and community efforts to promote college readiness for underrepresented students.

“As long as there are students out there with a desire to go to college, I’ll show them how to master the possibilities,” Cruz McKinney said.

Junior criminology student Abril Camarena was also honored at the ceremony for being named a Campus Compact Newman Civic Fellow for 2015 for her work in promoting social justice on and off campus.

Several awards were also given to individuals in the following categories:

Community Engagement Awards

Xue Rong, Engaged Student
Michael Vestino, Engaged Alumni
Carrie Lewis Hasse, Engaged Leopard
Nora Dominguez, Engaged Leopard
Dr. Kathleen Weaver, Engaged Scholarship
Tri-City Mental Health, Outstanding Community Partner

Diversity and Inclusivity Awards

Roxana Bautista, Student
Paul Larson, Alumni
Dr. Clive Houston-Brown, Staff
Dr. Matthew Witt, Faculty

Interfaith Cooperation Awards

Secular Student Alliance, Student Organization
Dr. Issam Ghazzawi, Faculty
Paul Abram Buch, Community Leader
City of Knowledge, Community Organization

Sponsored by the Office of Civic and Community Engagement, the Office of Diversity and Inclusivity and the Office of Religious and Spiritual Life, the Spirit of La Verne Awards enable students, faculty, staff, alumni and community members/organizations to showcase their work and communicate and document their achievements.