The University of Tampa’s PEACE Volunteer Center will be honored with the Graham-Frey Civic Award by the Florida Campus Compact on Oct. 15 in Miami, where Michelle Obama will be present.
The Graham-Frey Civic Award was named in recognition of the extraordinary civic contributions made by Sen. Bob Graham and Rep. Lou Frey.
The award distinguishes those who have made outstanding contributions to the development of civic learning and engagement in sustaining participatory democracy.
PEACE (People Exploring Active Community Experiences) connects students, faculty and staff by organizing service events on campus and in the Tampa Bay area to benefit the community.
The organization also sponsors projects to other areas of the U.S., including opportunities for alternative spring breaks.
To apply for the Graham-Frey Civic Award, individuals or groups had to fit into one of the following categories: service-learning faculty member, campus-community partnership, volunteer office or another collegiate program that “yields civic outcomes.”
In order to be considered, PEACE submitted a 20-page application, including a professional summary of the organization and letters of recommendation.
Applicants were judged based on their work, participation and innovative ideas, which contribute to the development of civic learning and engagement.
Though the Florida Campus Compact gives out a number of awards, the Graham-Frey Civic Award is the only award with just one recipient.
“It’s really exciting to be honored with this high of an award,” said Mike Seitzler, co-head coordinator of PEACE.
“It’s a very surreal kind of thing.”
Seitzler and two other PEACE members, Hannah Duprey, co-head coordinator, and Megan Frisque, assistant director of Civic Engagement, plan to drive to Miami on Oct. 15, where they will be recognized at the Florida Campus Compact Awards Gala and Luncheon.
As well as first lady Michelle Obama, State University System Chancellor Frank T. Brogan will be speaking.
Seitzler said he is unsure if the first lady will be presenting PEACE with the award, but is very excited, nonetheless.
“A lot of hard work was put into this, and it’s exciting we’re rewarded with this honor.”
Sarah Gottlieb can be reached at sgottlieb@ut.edu.