SXU Students and Staff Receive Volunteer of the Month Award

Saint Xavier University (SXU) was awarded the Volunteer of the Month Award by the Oak Lawn Park District Board on Monday, October 16, at the Oak View Center & Museum.

Transitions students in Professor Nathan Peck's and Professor Thomas McNichols' classes volunteered at two Oak Lawn parks, Wolfe Wildlife Park and the Community Garden Park, during the Cougar Trax Service Day. A number of SXU student leaders, along with three staff members who were part of the Service Day committee, were on hand to proudly accept the Volunteer of the Month Award that evening.

"I commend our first-year students and their instructors for servicing the Village of Oak Lawn. They did a wonderful job cleaning Wolfe Wildlife Park and harvesting 250 pounds of fresh produce for the local food pantries," said Szymczak.

Student leaders representing SXU included Samantha Danahy, Elizabeth Gomez, Brenda Gonzalez, Giuliana Islas, Evelyn Martinez, Dean Tsoumbakopoulos, and Grace Van Cleave. Staff members included Katie Szymczak and Lena Musa, student support specialists, and Manal Kanaan, Ed.D., director of High Impact Practices.

"Service is part of SXU's mission. We carry on the legacy of our founding Sisters of Mercy to give back to our community, which is an important college outcome that prepares our students for citizenship, work, and life," said Kanaan.

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