Explanation of Award
The John A. Lindquist Award is given annually to a current Weber State University faculty or staff member who has demonstrated sustained and outstanding commitment to mentoring WSU students in learning through civic engagement. It recognizes university-community partnerships in support of students’ learning and honors John A. Lindquist’s devotion to education and community.
Learning through civic engagement is a dynamic and collaborative process wherein students immerse themselves in situational problems of a social, economic or environmental nature. They consider possible outcomes and create potential solutions which benefit communities. As students apply their skills, knowledge and research to community-based issues, they in turn develop civic leadership. Frequently they are models of how an education can improve and sustain the well-being of individuals in their communities.
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:
- Evidence the nominee has demonstrated sustained (minimum of three years) and outstanding commitment to mentoring WSU students in learning through civic engagement.
- Evidence the nominee’s Community Based Learning projects have made a demonstrable impact on both the student and the community. Actions taken are making a positive difference on the campus, in the community, regionally, and beyond.
- Evidence the nominee has succeeded in making a sustained, long-term commitment to campus and community service.
- Evidence the nominee has used sound pedagogy that combines research, theory, community action, self reflection and assessment in planning learning objectives and community involvement activities for students. (This criterion is primarily applicable to faculty nominees.)
- 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.
- 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. Preference will be given to those individuals who have shown evidence of embracing the institution’s commitment to service and engaged learning through association with the Community Involvement Center.
Award
$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 via e-mail a 1 to 2 page letter of nomination that addresses the award criteria to Emily Stanger (emilystanger@weber.edu) no later than January 30, 2013.
If the nominee accepts the nomination, the following additional information must be submitted:
- A cover letter (maximum 2 pages) addressing the award criteria and reflecting what civic engagement means to the nominee.
- Brief 2-3 pages resume reflecting a civic engagement focus.
- Three 1 to 2 page letters of reference. 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.
A selection committee consisting of two college representatives 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.
Schedule
Announcement & award criteria sent to university community Wednesday, January 2, 2013
Nomination deadline. Submit electronically to Emily Stanger Wednesday, January 30, 2013
Deadline to submit nomination support documentation Tuesday, February 19, 2013
Selection Committee begins review process Wednesday, February 20, 2013
Selection of recipient Friday, March 1, 2013
Announce award recipient Tuesday, March 5, 2013
Luncheon and awards presentation Wednesday, April 3, 2013