EXPLANATION OF AWARD

The John A. Lindquist Award will be given annually to a current Weber State University faculty or staff person who has demonstrated sustained and outstanding commitment to mentoring WSU students in learning through civic engagement. The award publicly recognizes the extra time and energy demanded of the people devoted both to providing their students this means for an excellent education and to fostering stronger partnerships with local communities. It is to recognize university-community partnerships in students’ learning and to honor appropriately the devotion to education and community of John A. Lindquist.

Learning through civic engagement is a dynamic and collaborative process wherein students bring university resources to work in partnership with community organizations.  Students immerse themselves in situational problems of a social, economic or environmental nature; they consider possible outcomes and create potential solutions; they produce tangible outcomes to benefit their partners and communities. As students apply their skills, knowledge and research to community-based issues, they in turn reinforce socially responsible behavior. Frequently they are able to model for at-risk youth what an education can mean and do to improve the health and welfare of the individual and community.

CRITERIA

The recipient of the John A. Lindquist Award must demonstrate that she or he has provided an excellent education to WSU students and has addressed needs in surrounding communities.   

Describe the faculty or staff member’s accomplishments according to the following criteria:

1. Evidence the nominee has demonstrated sustained and outstanding commitment to mentoring WSU students in learning through civic engagement.
2. Evidence the nominee has made a demonstrable impact. Actions taken are making a positive difference on the campus and in the community.
3. Evidence the nominee has succeeded in making a sustained, long-term commitment to campus and community service beyond the length of academic semesters.
4. Evidence the nominee has used sound pedagogy that combines research, theory and community action in planning learning objectives and community involvement activities for students.
5. Evidence the nominee’s projects involve a strong relationship with the community partner(s) based on a foundation of mutual ownership and commitment and address complex and important community issues.
6. Evidence the nominee has been able to integrate service with her or his own continued research and teaching. Teaching may be through a mentoring relationship or in the classroom.

$7,000 cash (less benefits and withholding taxes) OR $7,000 in unrestricted support (any equipment purchased as support becomes the property of WSU).

RESPONSIBILITY OF RECIPIENT

The recipient of the John A. Lindquist Award will give a presentation to faculty, staff, and students regarding his/her work with WSU students and the community. This presentation is expected to occur within a year of having received the award. Additionally, the recipient must continue to be employed at WSU for a minimum of one year after receiving the award.

NOMINATION PROCESS

Submit a 1 to 2 page letter of nomination that addresses the criteria and provides names of three people who are familiar with the nominee’s work to serve as references. One reference should be a community member with whom the nominee has partnered to mentor WSU students in learning through civic engagement. One reference should be a former student who has personally benefited, or been involved with, the person being nominated. And the final reference should be a colleague who is familiar with the work of the nominee. Submit nomination letters electronically in a Word or Word Perfect document to Debby DeGroot at ddegroot@weber.edu no later than close of day February 4, 2008.

If the nominee accepts the nomination, additional information will be solicited. The John A. Lindquist award nominees must submit a brief 2-3 page resume reflecting a civic engagement focus and addressing the award criteria. References will be asked to submit 1 to 2 page letters that address the award criteria.

A selection committee, consisting of: two college administrators from academic affairs, the Dean of Students, Provost, VP for Student Affairs, Student Government VP for Service, and two community partners, will be appointed by the offices of Academic Affairs and Student Affairs. A member of the Lindquist family will also serve on the committee. The selection committee will review the nomination materials and select the award recipient.

TIME SCHEDULE