Dyson College of Arts and Sciences

www.pace.edu/ccar 16 J ef f e rson A wa r d s: Each year, the Jefferson Awards for Public Service recognize the unsung heroes who make the world a better place through volunteer and community service efforts. Twelve Pace University community members were honored with Bronze Medals for 2019–2020. Lauren Beth Birney, EdD Associate Professor, School of Education Lauren Beth Birney, EdD, is an associate professor of STEM education in the School of Education on the New York City campus who has established new opportunities for underrepresented students. Birney has secured $10.4 million from the National Science Foundation for a research consortium espousing that schools and communities play direct, active, and authentic roles in ecological restoration and stewardship. Karen Buckwald Human Resources Karen Buckwald, Pace's director of Human Resources Initiatives and Organizational Effectiveness, believes that there is a social responsibility to help those in need. She has been actively involved in fundraisers both within and outside of the University, and also serves as co-chair of the Health and Wellness Committee, engaging faculty and staff to improve their overall well-being. Laurianne Gutierrez Political Science '20 Laurianne Gutierrez '20 is a political science student on the New York City campus who believes that it is her civic duty to help create a fairer society. At Pace, Gutierrez has served as a Center for Community Action and Research (CCAR) student staff member and a mentor to elementary school children, organized a volunteer trip to God's Love We Deliver, and founded Pace Students Against Gun Violence. Natalie Hernandez Digital Journalism '20 Natalie Hernandez '20 is a digital journalism major and political science minor focused on ending sexual violence. She helped petition the Pace Student Government Association to provide funding for POWER (the Partnership of Women Empowerment and Respect), of which she is president. She also serves as a Fighting Ignorance and Rape through Education peer educator. Kaitlyn Houlihan Political Science '19 Kaitlyn Houlihan '19, Political Science, has worked in a survivors of domestic violence shelter run by Safe Homes of Orange County. "I met [Kaitlyn] in an AOK1 class I teach where we work with disabled adult students," said nominating professor Jane Collins. Kaitlyn's ability to connect with those students and to make them feel deeply seen and respected was incredible." Ho n o r i ng Our Vol unt e er s

• Cover