Service Learning and Community Engagement Awards

In the spring, the Center for Community Learning and Leadership hosts the Service Learning and Community Engagement Awards to honor faculty, students, and community partners for excellence in community learning and leadership. Award recipients demonstrate outstanding contributions to service learning, civic leadership, social justice, or community organizing. 

2024 Awards

Service - Learning Student of the Year Award

Ivana Gottwald - Digital Media Art


Lecturer Award

Singmay Chou - School of Management


Tenured or Tenure Track Faculty Awards

Dr. Dina Izenstark - Child and Adolescent Development

Dr. Vicky Gomez - Public Health


Community Partner Award

Trinity Tomsic - Garden to Table Silicon Valley


2023 Awards

Service - Learning Student of the Year Award

San Vu - Computer Science with a minor in Interaction Design


Lecturer Award

Melissa McClure Fuller - Public Health


Tenure Track Faculty Award

Dr. Jonathan Gomez - Chicana and Chicano Studies


Community Partner Award

Matthew Spadoni - Campus Community Garden


2022 Awards

Service - Learning Student of the Year Award 

Kirstian Alfred (Ian) Chavez - Computer Science


Lecturer Award 

Krissy Connell-Hassett - Child and Adolescent Development 


Community Partner Award

Alexander Reyes - Bay Area Tutoring Association (BATA)


2021 Awards

In response to the Covid-19 pandemic and in accordance with guidance from the Office of the Chancellor, service learning placements were expected to be virtual during the 2020-21 academic year.  Award recipients demonstrated outstanding contributions to service and civic leadership that have made a difference during a time of crisis.

Service - Learning Student of the Year Award 

Leriza “Bea” Madriaga - Social Work


Faculty & Lecturer Awards 

Dr. Kristen ColeCommunication Studies

Lucas Hatton - Communication Studies


Community Partner Award

  • Winter Faith Collaborative
    • Phil Mastracola 

Collaborative Project Awards

Sacred Heart Community Service's Economic Empowerment Program 

  • Juan Carlos Soliz
  • Nhi Nguyen
  • Denise De Los Reyes

2020 Awards

Service Learning and Community Engagement Awards

In 2020, we marked the 20th anniversary of our Center. In recognition of this milestone, we celebrated all students, faculty, partners, and staff who have made a tremendous impact on our community during the last 20 years.

We marked this occasion by giving only one individual award, the Service Learning and Community Engagement Student of the Year Award.

Award Recipient: Erika Lisina


Excellence in Service Learning Endowed Scholarship Fund

In April 2018, the Center for Community Learning and Leadership received a generous endowment from Dr. Stephen Kwan and Amy Kwan to establish the Excellence in Service Learning Endowed Scholarship Fund. Service learning is an instructional strategy that connects academic learning with meaningful service that addresses community needs. The Endowment provides scholarships to students who have demonstrated excellence in service learning activities that have made a positive difference in San Jose.