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Kevona Jackson, a member of the college’s School of Arts and Sciences Class of 2018, has been given both a service award and a scholarship for her outstanding academic performance and social involvement.
Jackson was selected by the Commission on Independent Colleges and Universities for its Independent Sector Student Community Service Award. She also received a $500 H.D. Paley Scholarship.
Jackson, a business major and vice president of the sophomore class, balances her studies with a number of extracurricular commitments.
As president of the Black Student Union, Jackson helped raise breast cancer awareness, promoted World AIDS Day, and spearheaded initiatives such as Sister to Sister, a group for African American entrepreneurs.
The resident assistant also finds ways to help classmates get together, whether it be for “smoothie nights” or healthy cooking classes, and offers others support during times of social or academic difficulty.
“I tell them about the many resources available and how to use those resources,” said Jackson, who is captain of the college's softball team. “I also encourage everyone to find an athletic outlet, whether it’s Zumba, a sport, or going to the gym.”
Jackson also volunteers at Family Services of Yonkers, is organizing a "Midnight Run" to New York City to provide food to the homeless, and helps out at the Kinship Support Center, which serves grandparents and relatives who are raising children.
“I wanted to give back to a program that did so much for me,” Jackson said. “My great-grandmother raised me and I saw all the sacrifices she made.”
Dr. Danielle Wozniack, dean of the School of Arts and Sciences, praised Jackson for her academic pursuits as well.
Jackson said she was astonished to be honored.
“You never see what other people see in you,” she said. “When I explain to people everything that I’m involved with, they look at me and ask me how I do it all. Then I think, ‘Really? I did all that?’”
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