Award to Honor Spirit of Engagement

Creating the foundation for student success has been a chief goal of mine since I became president in 2008. From forming a new student engagement division to constructing classroom, office and learning spaces, I have been dedicated to a seamless support system for students from recruitment to graduation.

At Old Dominion University, we pride ourselves on offering challenging academics taught by professors whose experience and credentials are recognized across the country and, in many cases, around the globe. We also have shaped a community and civic engagement program to provide opportunities for students -- and faculty and staff -- to learn valuable lessons that may not always be found in a textbook.

I cannot fully express how proud I am of the thousands of Old Dominion students who have passionately given their time, their knowledge, their hearts to helping our community become a better place for all.

As a start, my wife, Kate, and I recently created an award to acknowledge these selfless acts. Called the Broderick - Evon Award for Community Engagement and Service, it will be awarded to a student annually who has displayed commitment to service and civic engagement to the university and surrounding community through superior leadership and service.

The award is of special significance to us and our families -- it is named in honor of our mothers. Through family donations, it will guarantee a minimum $3,000 award to an ODU student who embodies the community spirit of our mothers.

Abraham Lincoln once said, "All that I am, or hope to be, I owe to my angel mother."

My mother, Ellen Broderick, taught my brother and me the importance of helping others. She impressed upon us, from a young age, that actions speak louder than words. She was one of those people who cared for others before herself. It was not hard to see and appreciate her concern for others on a daily basis.

Kate's mother, Joan Evon, volunteered in her church and community and service to others was at the heart of everything she did. According to Kate, she helped so many people navigate the sometimes complicated loan and mortgage system at the bank where she worked that she received dozens of service awards. "My siblings and I found the awards in her desk at work after she passed. She never said anything to us about it -she just tirelessly and quietly went about her work. In fact, the day of her viewing we meet some wonderful folks, who came to pay tribute to her and tell us that my Mom gave them money for a bus ride, sat with them to fill out loan applications, and so on."

Both women set the bar high for their children and grandchildren. This award, which recognizes that same spirit in others, is one way Kate and I can pay forward the wonderful blessings we received as their children.

All students are eligible to apply, or you can nominate a deserving individual. The recipient will receive a monetary award and will be announced at the University's Student Awards Reception and Dinner on May 3.

You can find more details and download an application/nomination form here.

Regardless of the selection, we all win when we dedicate ourselves to serving others.