Sun Devils earn President’s Service Award through volunteerism

Arizona State University students have been recognized once again with the President’s Volunteer Service Award for their commitment to their communities. Both individuals and groups of Sun Devils participated in thousands of collective hours of service to qualify for the 2018–19 award.

The award was established by the President’s Council on Service and Civic Participation in 2003 and honors the dedication and importance of those who give their time to serve their communities.

The President's Volunteer Service Award is structured within three main tiers: bronze, silver and gold. The tiers are based on age and hours of service completed within a 12-month cycle.

For 2018–19, nine ASU students received gold (250 or more hours), five received silver (174–249 hours) and 15 received bronze (100–174.) Two students were repeat awardees from last year: Matthew Logelin and incoming Vice President of Policy for Tempe Undergraduate Student Government Trey Leveque, who both received gold. 

Eight university groups were awarded this year: University Service Learning and Alpha Kappa Psi – Iota Xi Chapter, who achieved gold; Devils Pitching In, who received silver; and National Society of Collegiate Scholars at ASU, Rotaract Club of ASU, Zero Waste, Pitchfork Pantry (Tempe and downtown Phoenix) and Arnold Air Society (Tex May Squadron), who received bronze.

Changemaker Central at ASU is a certifying partner for the award and confers it to participating individual students, clubs and organizations at the university. They help connect students with service opportunities throughout the year including monthly days of service and larger events like Devils in Disguise, where more than 1,000 volunteers serve on campus and in the community.

Natalie Zarasian, a sophomore studying supply chain management at the W. P. Carey School of Business, is the service chair for Changemaker Central. She believes that community service is a vital part of the Sun Devil experience.

“Community service allows for Sun Devils to become active members within their community and help make a positive impact,” Zarasian said. “Students are able to find their interest and passions by exploring different opportunities. They are also able to step out of their comfort zones and experience new opportunities that can lead them to truly making a positive change in society.”

Zarasian points out that the value of community service spreads far and wide.

“For ASU, they can take pride in the positive things their students are able to accomplish. For the greater community, they are able to interact with ASU students and see what Sun Devils are capable of. For younger members of the community, ASU volunteers can serve as an inspiration for the future and influence them to go to college and help out in the future.” 

Some of this year’s awardees offered their insights about community service and what they’ve learned through these experiences.

Academic College: College of Liberal Arts and Sciences

Major: Psychology

What new skills have you learned since beginning your service? I have learned that the more you volunteer and the more you expand your horizons, the more you learn from the people around you. You start out wanting to help others but you find those other people are actually helping you grow as a person

Academic College: Mary Lou Fulton Teachers College

Major: Educational studies

What was your favorite volunteer experience? My favorite volunteer experience was volunteering at After the Bell After School Care in Glendale, Arizona. I assisted children with homework, built positive relationships with them and facilitated various activities. A few of these included baking, sports and recreational games. This experience helped give me an awareness of some of the issues children in low-income communities face and how we can solve them. This also gave me inspiring mentors and valuable leadership skills.

Academic College: School of Sustainability

Major: Sustainability

What was your favorite volunteer experience? My favorite volunteer experience was with Alpha Kappa Psi. It was a picnic that helped raise funds for foster children to come together and reconnect with each other even after they’ve been adopted.

Academic College: College of Liberal Arts and Sciences

Major: Biochemistry/global health  

What was your favorite volunteer experience? I really enjoyed volunteering to tutor elementary school students in the local refugee community and connecting to the kids.