BVU Students Receive Education for Service Awards

Buena Vista University is honoring several outstanding students who exemplify the university’s motto, Education for Service.

The students have demonstrated exceptional dedication to serving others and making a positive impact in their communities, standing as role models for civic engagement and volunteerism.

Melany Dominguez Lopez has been awarded the prestigious Neil Ball Service Award for her extensive volunteer efforts throughout the Storm Lake community. She has made a meaningful impact at Storm Lake Middle School, Upper Des Moines Opportunity, Inc., and Friends with Food. “I believe that Storm Lake is a very united community, and I want to encourage more students and young people to get involved and collaborate to make a positive impact in our community,” said Lopez. On campus, she is an active participant in student organizations such as RAÍCES, International Club, and Multicultural Engagement Leadership Team (MELT).

Nolan Nguyen has earned the Meinhard Endowed Service Award for his outstanding contributions to both BVU and the local community, including his service to Lakeside Presbyterian Church. “My cadre from JROTC in high school gave us any and all opportunities to do service since it was one of his goals as a program to serve others,” said Nguyen. “Now I try to replicate that with organizations I am included in.” Nolan is a member of the BVU men’s wrestling team, an Army ROTC cadet, Student Senate Parliamentarian, Vice President of Tri-Alpha, Secretary of Psi Chi, a MELT member, and a student worker for Academic Innovations. He actively volunteers his time cleaning beaches and parks and packing food for those in need.

Paige Hout and Kristen Davis have been recognized with the Dr. Kathryn McKinley Volunteer & Community Service Award for their exceptional service and community engagement.

Hout has volunteered at Upper Des Moines and Jane’s Closet, a free clothing resource for foster families and families in BV County, organized and managed by BVU’s Student Association of Social Workers (SASW). During an honors trip, she also volunteered at an orphanage in Fiji. When asked about a memorable moment within her volunteering, Hout noted an interaction at Jane’s Closet. “I was there helping families shop for what they needed (clothes, toys, hygiene products, etc.), and the sheer joy on a young girl’s face when we told her she could take home the toy she was playing with made the work of organizing and setting up Jane’s Closet Jane’s takes worth it.” Hout participates in Pep Band and Concert Band and serves as Vice President of the Social Work Honors Society.

Davis has also worked to organize and distribute food and supplies to those in need through Upper Des Moines and similar facilities. “I have had many amazing opportunities to volunteer in a variety of places throughout the Midwest as well as in Storm Lake,” she noted. “It is extremely fulfilling to be able to help those who really need it.” She is actively involved in choir and the SASW.

“We are incredibly proud of Melany, Nolan, Paige, and Kristen for their outstanding commitment to serving others and living out our motto of Education for Service, said BVU President Brian A. Lenzmeier, Ph.D. “They are shining examples of the profound difference one person can make in their community and beyond.”

The recognition of these students underscores BVU’s dedication to fostering a culture of service and community engagement. The university will celebrate these award recipients, along with others, during its Awards Ceremony on the weekend of October 12.

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