The Office of Experiential Learning recently hosted an annual celebration to recognize students and partners who contribute to meaningful work in the campus community. Those recognized included Title IX Coordinator Lisa Evaneski (back right), who received the Internship Supervisor of Impact Award.
The Office of Experiential Learning hosted its annual Experiential Learning Celebration on April 14 to recognize students and partners who contribute to meaningful work in the campus community.
The event showcased a range of programs that give students opportunities to “learn by doing,” including service-learning, first-year success coaching, the Empire State Service Corps, Focus Forward, Oswego Children’s Project and internship experiences.
The evening was marked with speeches from campus program coordinators and student reflections, especially students sharing their real-world experiences that shaped their future goals and personal growth.
This year's celebration was planned by Focus Forward Coordinator Kevin O’Connor and Early Experiential Learning Coordinator Ally Schultz.
“It’s such a blessing to work with many amazing students,” O’Connor said. “Recognition is essential in my mind. I want students and partners alike to know how much we appreciate everything they do.”
For many student attendees, the celebration was about reflecting on the impact hands-on experience had for them. Organizers said all in attendance had done their part and often gone above and beyond in the shared goal of serving their community, working alongside one another and the Experiential Learning team.
Making an impact
“When I’m at sessions, I’m not actively thinking about the impact I’m making, but the celebration reminds me of all the good that is coming out of Focus Forward and it should be recognized,” said Cailin Parise, a Focus Forward team leader. “I am very proud to have been a part of something so great.”
Also in attendance were professionals in the community who regularly offer internships, work with students to serve in their organizations and host students in the Empire State Service Corps. These organizations are essential for connecting students to meaningful experiences, organizers said.
SUNY Oswego Title IX Coordinator Lisa Evaneski, a longtime partner of the internship program, received the Internship Supervisor of Impact Award in recognition for the many years of outstanding support and opportunities she offers the interns she hosts.
“Lisa is a prime example of the kind of mentor that propels students forward in their careers,” said Tina Phillips, associate director of Experiential Learning. “She has diligently offered experiences to students on our campus for the majority of her time working at SUNY Oswego. Her steadfast commitment to the program is something we encourage notice of and hope that other partners will be inspired to create meaningful opportunities that grow over time in the same way.”
As the semester comes to an end, the Office of Experiential Learning remains committed to ensuring every Laker has the chance to gain real world experience. These opportunities, new skills and community relationships will stay with them and help them on their journeys after graduation, organizers said. They also expressed confidence that wherever these students go and whatever they may do, these Lakers will continue with kindness.
Upcoming opportunities
Experiential Learning added that opportunities remain open in several areas:
- Empire State Service Corps: Applications still accepted
- Focus Forward: Applications still accepted
- Service Learning Courses: More information available
-- Submitted by Experiential Learning