October 9, 1998: Volume 44, Number 5

Student Wins Community Award

Beth Wierzbieniec '99 has received the "Creating a More Welcoming Community" student award from Hudson Mohawk Association of Colleges and Universities.

She was cited for her part in organizing a number of initiatives aimed at promoting diversity, tolerance and community service.

One of her most impressive undertakings was the project titled "Dialogues on Race." Under her leadership, for a month last spring, 21 student organizations, dozens of faculty and staff and the College's athletic teams hosted more than 30 events and activities designed to foster an exchange of ideas, information and concerns regarding diversity at Union.

The Schenectady County Human Rights Commission last May recognized her for "Dialogues on Race" with the 1998 Human Rights Youth Achievement Award.

In his nomination, President Roger Hull cited Wierzbieniec's commitment to the Big Brothers/Big Sisters program at Union. Last summer, she developed and directed the College's first-ever summer camp for kids. Each year, more than 75 Union students participate in the Big Brothers/Big Sisters program, acting as mentors to disadvantaged youth in the region. Until this year, when students returned home for the summer, their "littles" were left without mentors until classes resumed in September.

Hull also praised Wierzbieniec in her role as president of the Union College Student Forum, for her commitment to open discussion of concerns affecting students. Over the summer, she was a member of a committee of students, staff, faculty and alumni to address social and residential issues.

Wierzbieniec, an economics and sociology major, is a native of Amherst, N.Y., and a 1995 graduate of Amherst Central High School.

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