​Each year, Community Partnerships hosts an Award Ceremony to honor and celebrate the accomplishments through service by students, faculty, and ​community partner sites.



Awarded to Students

"Outstanding Student of the Year" Award

This award is provided to 8-10 exceptional students; it is only bestowed on an annual basis. Students are selected via nomination from faculty, staff or the site they are currently serving at. Recipients receive a certificate and recognition at our annual awards' ceremony.

Newman Civic Fellows Award (Illinois Campus Compact)

The Newman Civic Fellows Award honors inspiring college student leaders who have demonstrated an investment in finding solutions for challenges facing communities throughout the country. Through service, research, and advocacy, Newman Civic Fellows are making the most of their college experiences to better understand themselves, the root causes of social issues, and effective mechanisms for creating lasting change. These students represent the next generation of public problem solvers and civic leaders. They serve as national examples of the role that higher education can—and does—play in building a better world.  The Newman Civic Fellows Awards are made possible through the generous support of the KPMG Foundation. 

Points of Light Award​

​The daily "Points of Light Awards" can be awarded to students, faculty, and staff.  Must be a legal U.S. citizen, complete non-paid service hours for six uninterrupted months, demonstrate impcact on the community and meet a community need.  

Marco Bartolomeo, Masters of Forensic Psychology student received the Points of Light Number: 6462 on Feb 25th, 2019. Read more about Marco's work here: https://www.pointsoflight.org/awards/chicago-student-helps-at-risk-youth-plan-for-the-future/

President's Volunteer Service Award

​The Chicago School's Community Partnerships Department is a certifying organization to provide faculty, staff, or students with the President's Volunteer Service Award.  Award recipients must be a U.S. citizen or lawful permananent resident of the U.S. and complete unpaid, "eligible" service within a 12 month period for a Bronze, Silver, or Gold award.​​ Service must be completed through one of the Community Partnerships identified partner sites.

Age GroupBronze
SilverGoldLifetime Achievement Award
Young Adults (16–25)100–174 hours175–249 hours250+ hours4,000+ hours
Adults (26+)100–249 hours250–499 hours500+ hours4,000+ hours


Awarded to Partner Sites and Supervisors

"Supervisor of the Year" Award - 2023 Recipient Alexis Burks/The community Builders Inc.

This award is given to one partner site supervisor annually. Timely communication, positive impact on students, ability to foster growth in the organization, and desire to make an impact are all key selection factors. Recipients receive a certificate, and recognition at our annual awards' ceremony.

 "Partner Site of the Year" Award - 2023 recipient Oak Park OWL

Provided to one partner site annually, the award recognizes a site that is timely in their communication with us, a great experience for and commitment to students (based on student feedback), and significantly improve our community. Recipients receive a certificate and recognition at our annual awards ceremony.

"New Site of the Year" Award

Provided to one new partner site annually, the award recognizes a site that is timely in their communication with us, a great experience for students (based on student feedback), and significantly improve our community. Recipients receive a certificate and recognition at our annual awards ceremony.

Awarded to Faculty at The Chicago School

"Faculty Member of the Year" Award - 2023 Dr. casey sharpe, Chicago Forensic faculty

Provided to one faculty member annually for commitment to service learning and/or community service. Recipients receive a certificate and recognition at our awards' ceremony.

The Thomas Ehrlich Civically Engaged Faculty Award (Illinois Campus Compact)

Campus Compact's Thomas Ehrlich Civically Engaged Faculty Award recognizes one senior faculty member (post-tenure or middle-to-late career at institutions without tenure) each year, for exemplary engaged scholarship, leadership in advancing civic learning, community-based research, the development of reciprocal community partnerships, and the deepening of institutional commitment to civic and community engagement.

The winner is granted $2,000 and the opportunity to conduct a session at the Association of American Colleges and Universities (AAC&U) Annual Conference. Four finalists will also be featured in a panel presentation at the conference.​


The Lynton Award for the Scholarship of Engagement for Early Career Faculty

The annual Ernest A. Lynton Award for the Scholarship of Engagement for Early Career Faculty recognizes a faculty member who connects his or her teaching, research, and service to community engagement. The Lynton Award is designated as an award for early career faculty who are pre-tenure at tenure-granting campuses or early career--within the first six years--at campuses with long-term contracts.

The Lynton Award emphasizes engaged s​cholarly work across the faculty roles. The scholarship of engagement (also known as outreach scholarship, public scholarship, scholarship for the common good, community-based scholarship, and community engaged scholarship) represents an integrated view of the faculty role in which teaching, research, and service overlap and are mutually reinforcing, is characterized by scholarly work tied to a faculty member's expertise, is of benefit to the external community, is visible and shared with community stakeholders, and reflects the mission of the institution. In addition, NERHCE conceptualizes scholarly engagement in terms of social justice embedded in democratic ideals.​​

2023 STUDENT AWARD RECIPIENTS

OUTSTANDING STUDENT:                                        LEGACY (3 year service):

Julianna Corrigan Friedrichs, ISTC                             Charisma Dalvi, Oakley Square Older Adult Group Lead

Meghana Kumar, ISTC                                               Angelica Mena, Magnolia Schools

Kylie Marques, FO service learning

Bruna Carretas, Homework Help Room                     PRESIDENT'S VOLUNTEER SERVICE AWARD:

Inifome "Zino" Ukulu, IPA                                           Lyssa Blaine, Lawndale Christian Legal Center - Bronze (100+ hrs)

Jaclyn Psenka, IPA

Ron Steffens, Oakley Square Resume Help

Pooja Das, Tutor; Gilda's Club; Student Ambassador World Business Chicago

Karissa Reyes, ExSEL                                               2024 NEWMAN CIVIC FELLOW:

Ariana Cabrera, ExSEL                                              Colin Rubright, Clinical Psy.D. student, Oak Park OWL

​​​



    Newman Civic Fellows Award

  • 2019 - Newman Civic Fellows Award - Jaya Vanga, Masters in Counseling Psychology
    2019 - Newman Civic Fellows Award
    Jaya Vanga, Masters in Counseling Psychology
  • 2020 - Newman Civic Fellows Award - Peter Liao,  Ph.D. Business Psychology
    2020 - Newman Civic Fellows Award
    Peter Liao,  Ph.D. Business Psychology
  • 2021 - Newman Civic Fellows Award - Margaret Annunziata, Masters Counseling Psychology
    2021 - Newman Civic Fellows Award
    Margaret Annunziata, Masters Counseling Psychology
  • 2018 - Newman Civic Fellows Award - Mariana Lopez, Masters in Counseling Psychology
    2018 - Newman Civic Fellows Award
    Mariana Lopez, Masters in Counseling Psychology
  • 2017 - Newman Civic Fellows Award - Ashley Tisch, Masters in Counseling Psychology
    2017 - Newman Civic Fellows Award
    Ashley Tisch, Masters in Counseling Psychology

    Los Angeles Awards 2018-2019

  •  - Outstanding L.A. Student 2019, Ana Hernandez serving with the Chiron Center
    Outstanding L.A. Student 2019, Ana Hernandez serving with the Chiron Center
  •  - Outstanding Student L.A. 2019 - Gabriela Ramos - serving at Magnolia School
    Outstanding Student L.A. 2019 - Gabriela Ramos - serving at Magnolia School
  •  - Outstanding L.A. Students 2019, Griffin Thompson serving with Magnolia Science Academy 7
    Outstanding L.A. Students 2019, Griffin Thompson serving with Magnolia Science Academy 7
  •  - Outstanding L.A. Student 2019, Janina Daniels serving with Magnolia Sciene Academy 7
    Outstanding L.A. Student 2019, Janina Daniels serving with Magnolia Sciene Academy 7
  •  - Outstanding L.A. Student 2019, Leilana Alvarado serving with Peace over Violence
    Outstanding L.A. Student 2019, Leilana Alvarado serving with Peace over Violence
  •  - Outstanding L.A. Student, Michael Moss serving with Magnolia Science Academy 7
    Outstanding L.A. Student, Michael Moss serving with Magnolia Science Academy 7
  •  - Outstanding L.A. Student, Sharayne Douglas serving with Magnolia Science Academy 7.
    Outstanding L.A. Student, Sharayne Douglas serving with Magnolia Science Academy 7.

    2018-2019

  •  - Outstanding Student 2019<br>Angela Juister - Hip Hop Heals at The Community Builders Inc.<br>
    Outstanding Student 2019
    Angela Juister - Hip Hop Heals at The Community Builders Inc.
  •  - Outstanding Student Award 2019<br>Claire Openshaw - Social Justice Leadership Academy
    Outstanding Student Award 2019
    Claire Openshaw - Social Justice Leadership Academy
  •  - Faculty Legacy Service Learning Award 2019<br>Dr. Sandy Siegel - Breakthrough and Above &amp; Beyond
    Faculty Legacy Service Learning Award 2019
    Dr. Sandy Siegel - Breakthrough and Above & Beyond
  •  - Outstanding Student Award 2019<br>Gisel Martinez - The Young Center for Immigrant Children&#39;s Rights<br>
    Outstanding Student Award 2019
    Gisel Martinez - The Young Center for Immigrant Children's Rights
  •  - Outstanding Student Award 2019<br>Jaya Vanga - White Crane Wellness Center<br>
    Outstanding Student Award 2019
    Jaya Vanga - White Crane Wellness Center
  •  - Outstanding Student Award 2019<br>Marco Bartolomeo - Homework Help Room at The Community Builders Inc.<br>
    Outstanding Student Award 2019
    Marco Bartolomeo - Homework Help Room at The Community Builders Inc.
  •  - Outstanding Student Award 2019<br>Michael Sanchez - Illinois Psychological Association<br>
    Outstanding Student Award 2019
    Michael Sanchez - Illinois Psychological Association
  •  - Outstanding Student Award 2019<br>Mohammed Akhtar - Homework Help Room &amp; Hip Hop Heals at TCB Inc.<br>
    Outstanding Student Award 2019
    Mohammed Akhtar - Homework Help Room & Hip Hop Heals at TCB Inc.
  •  - Outstanding Student Award 2019<br>Teiara Grant - Kids Rank
    Outstanding Student Award 2019
    Teiara Grant - Kids Rank
  •  - Outstanding Student Award 2019<br>Vrena Anton - Pillars Community Health<br>
    Outstanding Student Award 2019
    Vrena Anton - Pillars Community Health

    2017-2018

  • Outstanding Student Awards - David Lindstrom, Masters in Counseling Psychology – Alivio Medical Center
    Outstanding Student Awards
    David Lindstrom, Masters in Counseling Psychology – Alivio Medical Center
  • Staff of the Year - Dr. Stephen Mack, Joubert Syndrome &amp; Related Disorders Foundation
    Staff of the Year
    Dr. Stephen Mack, Joubert Syndrome & Related Disorders Foundation
  • Site of the Year Award - Sean O’Gara, Lincoln Park Community Shelter
    Site of the Year Award
    Sean O’Gara, Lincoln Park Community Shelter
  • Outstanding Student Awards - Emma Real, Masters in Counseling Psychology – Lincoln Park Community Shelter
    Outstanding Student Awards
    Emma Real, Masters in Counseling Psychology – Lincoln Park Community Shelter
  • Outstanding Student of the Year - Jaleesa Bailey, Masters in Counseling Psychology – Cool Classics!
    Outstanding Student of the Year
    Jaleesa Bailey, Masters in Counseling Psychology – Cool Classics!
  • Outstanding Student Award - Joe Rizzo, Masters in Counseling Psychology – Erie Neighborhood House TEAM program
    Outstanding Student Award
    Joe Rizzo, Masters in Counseling Psychology – Erie Neighborhood House TEAM program
  • Outstanding Student Award - Jolene Drblik, Clinical Psy.D. – Sue Duncan Children’s Center
    Outstanding Student Award
    Jolene Drblik, Clinical Psy.D. – Sue Duncan Children’s Center
  • Outstanding Student Award - Mariana Lopez, Masters in Counseling Psychology – Las Moradas
    Outstanding Student Award
    Mariana Lopez, Masters in Counseling Psychology – Las Moradas
  • Outstanding Student Award - Michael Sanchez, Clinical Psy.D. – Illinois Psychological Association
    Outstanding Student Award
    Michael Sanchez, Clinical Psy.D. – Illinois Psychological Association
  • Outstanding Student of the Year - Casie Jameson, Masters in Counseling Psychology – Kids Rank
    Outstanding Student of the Year
    Casie Jameson, Masters in Counseling Psychology – Kids Rank
  • Outstanding Student Award - Rachel Fiore, Forensics – Homework Help Room at The Community Builders Inc.
    Outstanding Student Award
    Rachel Fiore, Forensics – Homework Help Room at The Community Builders Inc.
  • Outstanding Student Awards - Dori White, Masters in Counseling Psychology – Hip, Hop, Heals at Sue Duncan Children’s Center
    Outstanding Student Awards
    Dori White, Masters in Counseling Psychology – Hip, Hop, Heals at Sue Duncan Children’s Center
  • Outstanding Student Awards - Shantara Belnavis, Forensics – Hip Hop Heals at Sue Duncan Children’s Center
    Outstanding Student Awards
    Shantara Belnavis, Forensics – Hip Hop Heals at Sue Duncan Children’s Center

    2016-2017

  • Outstanding Students of the Year - Brent Pereira &amp; Natalie Price, with Become Inc., pictured with Revolution MacInnes
    Outstanding Students of the Year
    Brent Pereira & Natalie Price, with Become Inc., pictured with Revolution MacInnes
  • Outstanding Student of the Year - Brian Fagan, with A Giving Heart Foundation
    Outstanding Student of the Year
    Brian Fagan, with A Giving Heart Foundation
  • Partner Site of the Year - Caroline Aiken, with the Sue Duncan Children&#39;s Center
    Partner Site of the Year
    Caroline Aiken, with the Sue Duncan Children's Center
  • Outstanding Student of the Year - Gloria Ogele, with Breakthrough Urban Ministries, pictured with Jen Kost
    Outstanding Student of the Year
    Gloria Ogele, with Breakthrough Urban Ministries, pictured with Jen Kost
  • Outstanding Student Award - Pictured (L-R) Courtney Bilbrey, TCSPP Compliance Officer; Brent Pereira (Become Inc.), Gloria Ogele (Breakthrough), Terrell Black (Sue Duncan), Ruchita Chandrashekar (Sue Duncan), and Peter Liao (Career Transition Center)
    Outstanding Student Award
    Pictured (L-R) Courtney Bilbrey, TCSPP Compliance Officer; Brent Pereira (Become Inc.), Gloria Ogele (Breakthrough), Terrell Black (Sue Duncan), Ruchita Chandrashekar (Sue Duncan), and Peter Liao (Career Transition Center)
  • Outstanding Student of the Year - Marc Flores, with Gilda&#39;s Club, pictured with Jeanette Santana González
    Outstanding Student of the Year
    Marc Flores, with Gilda's Club, pictured with Jeanette Santana González
  • Outstanding Student of the Year - Peter Goodwin, with Erie Neighborhood House, pictured with Wendy Viteri
    Outstanding Student of the Year
    Peter Goodwin, with Erie Neighborhood House, pictured with Wendy Viteri
  • Outstanding Student of the Year - Peter Liao, with Career Transitions Center of Chicago, pictured with Nadia Whiteside
    Outstanding Student of the Year
    Peter Liao, with Career Transitions Center of Chicago, pictured with Nadia Whiteside
  • Outstanding Students of the Year - Ruchita Chandrashekar &amp; Terrell Black, with the Sue Duncan Children&#39;s Center, pictured with Caroline Aiken
    Outstanding Students of the Year
    Ruchita Chandrashekar & Terrell Black, with the Sue Duncan Children's Center, pictured with Caroline Aiken
  • TCSPP Staff of the Year - Sabrina Pippin
    TCSPP Staff of the Year
    Sabrina Pippin
  • Community Partnerships Faculty of the Year - Dr. Sandy Siegel with Jenn Kost from Breakthrough Urban Ministries
    Community Partnerships Faculty of the Year
    Dr. Sandy Siegel with Jenn Kost from Breakthrough Urban Ministries

    2015-2016

  • Outstanding Student of the Year - Andrew Lichtfuss, GCE Lab School
    Outstanding Student of the Year
    Andrew Lichtfuss, GCE Lab School
  • Outstanding Student of the Year &amp; Outstanding Staff Service Award - Carlin Wright &amp; Ashley Ray, CMDS
    Outstanding Student of the Year &amp; Outstanding Staff Service Award
    Carlin Wright & Ashley Ray, CMDS
  • Site Supervisor of the Year - Dominica McBride, Become Inc., pictured with baby Zia &amp; Kamilah Mahon
    Site Supervisor of the Year
    Dominica McBride, Become Inc., pictured with baby Zia & Kamilah Mahon
  • Team of the Year - Consultation &amp; Supervision class - Dr. John Shustizky &amp; Andrea Gaspar, National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI) Illinois
    Team of the Year - Consultation &amp; Supervision class
    Dr. John Shustizky & Andrea Gaspar, National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI) Illinois
  • Outstanding Student of the Year - Legacy Award - Cassandra Simmons, Sue Duncan Children&#39;s Center, pictured with John Mead
    Outstanding Student of the Year - Legacy Award
    Cassandra Simmons, Sue Duncan Children's Center, pictured with John Mead
  • Outstanding Student of the Year - Kim Goodman, Free Write, pictured with Ryan Keesling
    Outstanding Student of the Year
    Kim Goodman, Free Write, pictured with Ryan Keesling
  • Outstanding Alumni of the Year - Jackie McGivern, National Eating Disorder Association, pictured with Marin Swesey
    Outstanding Alumni of the Year
    Jackie McGivern, National Eating Disorder Association, pictured with Marin Swesey
  • Outstanding Student of the Year - Isamar Mayol Calderon, Illinois Psychological Association, pictured with Marsha Karey
    Outstanding Student of the Year
    Isamar Mayol Calderon, Illinois Psychological Association, pictured with Marsha Karey
  • Outstanding Student of the Year - Maud Cavaye, Gilda&#39;s Club, pictured with Jamie Weiner
    Outstanding Student of the Year
    Maud Cavaye, Gilda's Club, pictured with Jamie Weiner
  • Outstanding Faculty of the Year - Dr. Eleazar Eusebio, Chicago Public Schools Mentoring Program, pictured with Rachel Hunter
    Outstanding Faculty of the Year
    Dr. Eleazar Eusebio, Chicago Public Schools Mentoring Program, pictured with Rachel Hunter
  • Partner Site of the Year - One Million Degrees - featuring Veronica Herrero &amp; Karissa Krul
    Partner Site of the Year
    One Million Degrees - featuring Veronica Herrero & Karissa Krul
  • Outstanding Student of the Year - Sofia Trani, Girls in the Game, pictured with Katherine Wajrowski
    Outstanding Student of the Year
    Sofia Trani, Girls in the Game, pictured with Katherine Wajrowski
  • Outstanding Student of the Year - Don Togade, One Million Degrees, pictured with Veronica Herrero
    Outstanding Student of the Year
    Don Togade, One Million Degrees, pictured with Veronica Herrero

    2014-2015

  • Geared Up For Service Award - Shalin Shah, Career Transitions Center of Chicago, pictured with Anita Jenke &amp; Emily Drake
    Geared Up For Service Award
    Shalin Shah, Career Transitions Center of Chicago, pictured with Anita Jenke & Emily Drake
  • Supervisor Team Award - Anita Jenke &amp; Emily Drake, Career Transitions Center of Chicago, pictured with Shalin Shah
    Supervisor Team Award
    Anita Jenke & Emily Drake, Career Transitions Center of Chicago, pictured with Shalin Shah
  • Geared Up For Service Award - Beisabel Velasco, Erie Neighborhood House, pictured with Anna Hershey
    Geared Up For Service Award
    Beisabel Velasco, Erie Neighborhood House, pictured with Anna Hershey
  • Geared Up For Service Award - Austin Hall, Erie Neighborhood House, pictured with Anna Hershey
    Geared Up For Service Award
    Austin Hall, Erie Neighborhood House, pictured with Anna Hershey
  • Team of the Year - Become, Inc.
    Team of the Year
    Become, Inc.
  • Outstanding Student of the Year - Cassandra Simmons, with the Sue Duncan Children&#39;s Center
    Outstanding Student of the Year
    Cassandra Simmons, with the Sue Duncan Children's Center
  • New Site of the Year - Madonna Mission: Colleen Detjen pictured speaking
    New Site of the Year
    Madonna Mission: Colleen Detjen pictured speaking
  • Service Learning Faculty Award - Dr. Laurie Benton, Forensic Psychology department, pictured with Emily Hancock
    Service Learning Faculty Award
    Dr. Laurie Benton, Forensic Psychology department, pictured with Emily Hancock
  • Geared Up For Service Award - Lydia Sullivan, The Community Builders Inc., pictured with Julianna Stuart
    Geared Up For Service Award
    Lydia Sullivan, The Community Builders Inc., pictured with Julianna Stuart
  • Outstanding Student of the Year - Anusha Subramanyam, The Community Builders Inc., pictured with Julianna Stuart
    Outstanding Student of the Year
    Anusha Subramanyam, The Community Builders Inc., pictured with Julianna Stuart
  • Partner Site of the Year - Gateway: featuring Marie &quot;Siggie&quot; St. Clair &amp; John Fusco
    Partner Site of the Year
    Gateway: featuring Marie "Siggie" St. Clair & John Fusco
  • Outstanding Student of the Year - Norma Runner, Kids Rank
    Outstanding Student of the Year
    Norma Runner, Kids Rank
  • Drum Major Award - Katee Yang, Japanese American Service Committee, pictured with Sayaka Machizawa
    Drum Major Award
    Katee Yang, Japanese American Service Committee, pictured with Sayaka Machizawa
  • Outstanding Student of the Year - Jonathan Saavedra, Alivio Medical Center, pictured with Susan Vega
    Outstanding Student of the Year
    Jonathan Saavedra, Alivio Medical Center, pictured with Susan Vega
  • Drum Major Award - Brittney Briggs, Illinois Connections for Families of the Fallen, pictured with Zach Hunsinger
    Drum Major Award
    Brittney Briggs, Illinois Connections for Families of the Fallen, pictured with Zach Hunsinger

    2013-2014

  • Faculty of the Year - Chelsea Skinner
    Faculty of the Year
    Chelsea Skinner
  • Outstanding Student Award - Lindsey Scarlett
    Outstanding Student Award
    Lindsey Scarlett
  • Volunteer Team of the Year - Homework Help Room Team
    Volunteer Team of the Year
    Homework Help Room Team
  • Site Supervisor of the Year - Maria Munoz, Erie Neighborhood House
    Site Supervisor of the Year
    Maria Munoz, Erie Neighborhood House
  • Volunteer Team of the Year - Kids Rank Team
    Volunteer Team of the Year
    Kids Rank Team
  • Outstanding Student Award - Leslie Gardner
    Outstanding Student Award
    Leslie Gardner
  • Site Supervisor of the Year - Mara Tapp, Cool Classics!
    Site Supervisor of the Year
    Mara Tapp, Cool Classics!
  • Outstanding Student Award - Megan Saab
    Outstanding Student Award
    Megan Saab
  • Outstanding Student Award - Natasa Brozovic and Anne Engel
    Outstanding Student Award
    Natasa Brozovic and Anne Engel
  • Outstanding Student Award - Shakirra Jones
    Outstanding Student Award
    Shakirra Jones
  • Outstanding Student Award - Sophia Burke
    Outstanding Student Award
    Sophia Burke
  • Outstanding Student Award - Tamyra Crossley
    Outstanding Student Award
    Tamyra Crossley