Current Fellows
Xavier Community Engaged Fellows Make Their Mark at the All Honors Celebration!
This year marked the in-person return to the annual All Honor’s Day celebration which recognizes Xavier students for excellence in and out of the classroom. We’re proud that our Fellows continue to demonstrate academic and leadership excellence in addition to their important commitments to community service and engagement.
At the Academic Honor’s Convocation, our graduating seniors received their Xavier Community Engaged Fellow’s Medals, and the following Fellows earned academic honors from their departments:
- Biology Award – Sarah Ray
- Karl P. Wentersdorf Shakespeare Award – Caroline Dziubek
- Yamuna Kachru Award – Caroline Dziubek
- Francis I. Hammel Psychology Award – Benjamin Foley
- Financial Executives International Outstanding Student Award – Madeline Anderson
The following Fellows were also recognized at the Student Leadership Assembly for their outstanding contributions to campus and community:
- Charles J. Ping Student Community Service Award - Jaime Misky
- Silver X-Key Achievement Award - Emma Mitsch and Jared Vornhagen
- Gold X-Key Achievement Award - Mercy Torres and Michaele Townsend
- Fr. Francis J. Finn, S.J. Award- Sarah Ray
- President’s Award for Excellence in Leadership – Tessa Doan
Check out the Eigel Center on Instagram and Facebook for more information on our Community Engaged Fellows!
Seniors
Rhea Goodwyn
Year: Senior
Major: Political Science
Hometown: Milwaukee, WI
Service Sites: Salvation Army, Lydia's House
"I strive to serve with compassion and integrity in order to fully connect with the community. Having an open mind allows me to learn more about others."
Emma Mitsch
Year: Senior
Major: Entrepreneurship & Marketing
Hometown: Cincinnati, OH
Service Sites: Weighted Anchor, The Store XU, Xavier Jesuit Academy
"I once met a man who told me his son was hospitalized and so he lost his job and was eventually evicted. This man happily received a plate of dinner from me, and a cross from a basket of which I had been passing necklaces out. After the man finished his plate, he asked me to have a few more crosses for his friends, 'to give them something to believe in.' Of course, I handed them to him and hadn't thought much of it. It wasn't until that night when I realized that that is what I have been trying to do my whole life - to give someone something to believe in. Service is often made into a complex mixture of boundaries and hours required. But that night service was just a way to learn about someone and make the world a better place with them alongside you. Service and rocket science are two very different things. Service is giving someone something to believe in. It is waking up early to drive a friend somewhere on a day you planned to sleep in. Service is holding the door for ten people instead of brushing it as you walk by. Pure servitude is never an active thought, but something that lives inside of you. An awareness of humankind."
Lizzy Roeding
Year: Senior
Major: Philosophy, Politics, and The Public
Hometown: Fort Thomas, KY
Service Sites: Lydia's House, Ignite Peace, Atrium
'Without community service, we would not have a strong quality of life. It's important to the person who serves as well as the recipient. It's the way in which we ourselves grow and develop.' - Dorothy Height.
"Service allows me to be for and with others. It requires working together through listening, advocacy, and celebration to grow relationships with communities around me. Service is important for my growth and pushes me to learn more about communities and cultures for which I am unfamiliar. Service is not charity work; it is cultivating a deep relationship with yourself and others. By viewing service in this way, the community can thrive. We must show love and respect for all people or else we fail in being advocates for each other and working toward inclusivity."
Jared Vornhagen
Year: Senior
Major: Psychology and Criminal Justice
Hometown: Cincinnati, OH
Service Sites: Ohio Innocence Project, Hamilton County Public Defender's Office, Community Engaged Scholar Research
"True service and true engagement extend beyond the time one is physically present in the community they work with. True engagement is building genuine relationships and connections with the people and communities one serves, making it so service is done with others and not just for others. True service is blended into one's daily life, where being conscious of and advocating for the needs and rights of others is a natural instinct. Ultimately, my philosophy of service is rooted in the pursuit of justice and equity for all, whether that be in the criminal justice system or the many other parts of our society plagued with systemic inequity. I strive to utilize my own skill set while also recognizing the strengths and resources that each person in every community has to offer so that we can best work together to address root causes of injustice in a variety of areas and bring about meaningful systemic change."
Raya Williams
Year: Senior
Major: Business Analytics & Information Systems
Hometown: Oak Park, IL
Service Sites: St. Vincent DePaul
"Jackie Robinson once said, 'A life is not important except in its impact on other lives.' My goal is to be a leader that impacts the lives of many, inspires change, and to always have the courage to do what's moral. Service to me is the sharing of your gifts and knowledge for the advancement of someone other than yourself. Taking the time to support in any way that I can, while encouraging someone to dream beyond their imagination, is the true measure of success. According to Audrey Hepburn, 'As your grow older, you will discover you have two hands: one for helping yourself, the other for helping others.' That said, I plan to spend my life using both hands in service of others, as I believe to whom much is given, much is expected."
Juniors
Year: Junior "Father Greg Boyle once said, 'Compassion is not a relationship between the wounded and the healer. It is a covenant between equals.' When I think of service, the first word that comes to mind is compassion. Service is about being committed to listening more than speaking. Service is about empathy over sympathy. Service is about commonality over difference. Year: Junior 1. 'If you don't stand for something you will fall for anything.' - Malcom X Year: Junior 'Not everything that is faced can be changed, but nothing can be changed until it is faced' - James Baldwin. Year: Junior 'Small acts, when multiplied by millions of people, can transform the world.' - Howard Zinn Year: Junior 'Each one should use whatever gift he has received to serve others, faithfully administering God's grace in its various forms.' 1 Peter 4:10
Molly Babcock
Major: Philosophy, Politics, and the Public
Hometown: Frankfort, IL
Service Sites: Casa de Paz, Lydia's House, Refugee Mentoring (Catholic Charities Southwestern Ohio)
To truly emphasize what community engagement means to me, I find it necessary to tell a quick story about a man who changed the way in which I view service. This man, Eric, proved to me that two people with completely opposite backgrounds, identities, and races, could come together to share in life's mall beauties. I experienced the uniting nature of small acts of kindness and acknowledgement. During summer, I chose to volunteer at a food bank as a server to the public. Throughout the days of volunteering, I started to recognize the same faces day after day. I got to know the people, their experiences, and on a smaller scale, what type of food they would usually say yes to me putting on their plate. I began to feel a sense of community with the people with whom I volunteered, and the people on the other side of the food distribution. One day in June, an older man came in, went through the line, and came back to where I was serving the fruits and vegetables for the day. He said that he hadn't seen me around before and wanted to meet me. We exchanged names, a couple laughs, and went on our way. The next day, he came in, smiled, and exclaimed, "Molly! I am so glad to see you here again! How are you?" I was so happy he remembered me. I could tell by the look on his face that he started his sentence with my name in order to see if I would remember his. Such a simple thing. A name. Yet our name is an important piece of our identity. I responded with, "Eric!" In that moment, his face lit up and he grinned from ear to ear. "You remembered!" he exclaimed. This mutual recognition made both of us feel valued.
Through this was a small encounter, it instilled in me a feeling and realization that I will never forget. In that moment I understood that we need to take the time to acknowledge each other. Simple acts of recognition can turn someone's day around. Every day he came in, he would ask me how I was doing, even though his struggles outweighed my own. I learned that though Eric and I were completely different regarding age, race, the area in which we grew up, and our current experiences, we came together because we recognized one another, and this mutual recognition gave both of us dignity as human beings. Eric is a man I will never forget because of the lesson he taught me. Our shared humanity unites us."
Tez Brown
Major: Biomedical Sciences
Hometown: Orville, OH
Service Sites: Academy of World Languages, Boys to Men, Cincinnati Squash Academy
2. "As I devote time and compassion to my service, I stand for a greater purpose in which I believe to always be open minded to receive current information or past experiences. When it comes to our youth, they are our future. If we can have a positive influence and impact on those who may never thought of thinking or altering their rituals then I can say we have helped a portion to our future society."
Alton Jenkins
Major: Economics & Sociology
Hometown: Boston, MA
Service Sites: Evanston Academy, Saturday Hoops, Cincinnati Recreation Centers, Wasson Way Trail
This quote from James Baldwin - a revolutionary thinker and believer, has always motivated me in my dedication to my community. Service is, and always will be, an integral part of my life. No matter the outlet of that service - I recognize that the work must be done, regardless of the level of impact it can bring. The beautiful craft that is the community engagement was born out of dedication of compassionate, selfless, and loving leaders. They recognized that service was not about what you could take away, but rather how you could wholeheartedly give back to those around you. It was because of these brave individuals in my community that I was not only inspired, but called to action. I am so thankful for this Fellowship, and this strong community of engaged learners!
Ethan Nichols
Major: Philosophy, Politics, and the Public & English double major
Hometown: Cincinnati, OH
Service Sites: Homeless Coalition, Life of the World, Music Resource Center
"In high school I was able to find myself through service to others. It was ingrained in me from a very young age, when I first joined Cub Scouts. Having spent a decade in the scouting program, and being an Eagle Scout, I was taught that service to others is an essential part of life. I think the importance of small acts, starting with the individual, is vital. Cause when we all commit ourselves to serving each other and standing in solidarity, we really can transform the world."
Olivia Smith
Major: Business Undecided
Hometown: Florissant, MO
Service Sites: Academy of World Languages, Ladies of Awesomeness, Lydia's House
"My life has always been surrounded by my faith. Services comes along with being devoted to Christ. Service is about giving back to others. I see service as an opportunity to change someone's life. From a young age I've always been taught to speak up and make a difference where I could. I serve because others are not able to and my contribution could bridge a gap between societal issues."
Sophomores
Year: Sophomore "Service is the best way to meet a new face and build a relationship. To me that is what service is all about, building together as a group and learning new aspects of life that would be hidden without it. Service allows me to connect to communities and learn new ideas by engaging with people. My first step in serving a community is engaging myself in that community and understanding their needs. Everyone can offer something special, and service is the best way to find that something. Further, service is a way of life that continues day to day. Therefore, it is important to truly care about and love the people around you because that willingness to sacrifice brings joy like no other.” Year: Sophomore “Be the change you wish to see in the world.” - Mahatma Gandhi "This quote is the motivation and inspiration for my service. There are so many people in this world that need assistance and often I find myself asking “why aren’t there a multitude of people helping those asking for support?” I recognize that service begins with me, and I have the power to make a positive impact in the world. I have a responsibility to those in need and I hope that through my work of service, I can be a catalyst for change. I want to inspire others to use their own gifts and talents to contribute to the transformation of a society where unity, love, and human dignity are elevated. I strive to be an example to all through my action, word, and deed so that I can make a positive impact in someone’s life. I participate in service because while it can inspire others to follow, there is always personal growth found through the process. When exposed to different communities and cultures from various backgrounds, I gain deeper insights into the world around me, and establish a greater connection with those I serve. May we always share our gifts and talents to help those less fortunate and have a willingness to be an example for all the world to see." Year: Sophomore "Service to others is the rent you pay for your room here on earth." - Muhammad Ali “This quote truly embodies my reasoning and beliefs on working with others. I think that community service is an obligation, and you can’t say you love your community unless you are actively doing things to make it better. Being immersed in my community makes me feel like I am loving others to the best of my ability. When I interact with others, I am treating them how I want to be treated. I serve with the intention of showing and spreading love, to have an impact that shows support to others constantly.” Year: Sophomore “World peace can be achieved when the power of love replaces the love of power." - Sri Chinmoy Kumar Ghose "Practicing humble service is essential to Jesus’ invitation to follow him. Through the many stories of his ministry to others throughout the Gospels, he invites us to recognize that everyone deserves love, equity, and justice. I recognize today that this is one reason my parents have always emphasized the importance of connecting with others – not just by having a short conversation, but by developing authentic relationships. Volunteering is one of my favorite ways to do this. My introduction to the world of volunteering was at a shelter for women and children facing homelessness, domestic violence, addiction, and various mental and physical illnesses. Year: Sophomore "We have the power to make this the best generation of mankind in the history of the world- or make it the last." - John F Kennedy "The idea that not all superhero's wear capes is the understanding that everyday people, rather than our stereotypical childhood superheroes, are capable of making a difference. However, it has never been the idea of a cape or mask that motivated me to take action and strive to better my community; rather, it was my honest, unending desire to serve the needs of the greater good. My desire to serve my community now, and to serve my country in the future is an extension of these desires. Superheroes are the ones that help others when times are hardest, and although I'm no Bruce Wayne or Peter Parker, I know that truly anyone can make an impact equally significant. Ultimately, we don't need superpowers to serve others. We just need to be better than we were yesterday." Year: Sophomore Year: Sophomore Major: Special Education Service Sites: Children's Creative Corner, Marjorie Book Continuing Education, Ken Anderson Alliance, Weightless Anchor, Little Brothers Friends of the Elderly "I am only one, but I am one. I cannot do everything, but I can do something. And I will not let what I cannot do interfere with what I can do." - Edward Everett Hale "To me, service has always been a constant in my life. My favorite thing to do has always been creating meaningful connections with others, and service has always allowed me to do so. So many hardships can plague a person’s life; when you turn on the news at the end of the day and hear how much negativity surrounds today's world, it is hard to remember how much good we have in our lives. Volunteering my time to service projects has always allowed me to affirm my faith in my community and surroundings and allowed me to give back to the communities that have given me so much. No matter what circumstances, a person should never have to walk alone, and service is my way of trying to make someone's day a little brighter." Year: Sophomore “Everybody can be great … because anybody can serve” - Martin Luther King Jr. "For me, service is a way to connect with others. It does not have to be complicated or grand. Service is a way to lift people up simply by listening and caring and loving. Through my service I strive to be present and available, sharing my gifts and talents where needed and openly receiving the gifts of others. Greatness cannot be an individual effort. It requires community. Serving one another in mutual love and respect is enacting God’s will and building the foundation for great change." 
Josh Fieger
Hometown: Cincinnati, Ohio 
Jordan Harris
Major: Nursing
Hometown: Columbia, Maryland 
Jaiden Jennings
Hometown: Louisville, Kentucky 
Molly Kantz
Hometown: Fairport, New York
Service Sites: Fernside, Lydia's House, Heartfelt Tidbits, Saturday Hoops, Project SEARCH
Growing up volunteering there, I learned to treat everyone as family. Choosing the 'power of love' enables me to act with humble service towards others, and that’s where authentic relationships and 'world peace' begin." 
Joel Lacoste
Hometown: Brunswick, Ohio 
Jordan Madry
Hometown: Pickerington, Ohio
Macy Melero
Hometown: Fenton, Michigan 
Michael Rentmeester
Hometown: Wauwatosa, Wisconsin
First-Years
Gabrielle Clark
Major: Engineering Physics
Hometown: Columbus Ohio
Service Sites:Cincinnati Animal Care, Atrium (Lydias House), Autism Connections, Su Casa
“Too often we underestimate the power of touch. A smile. A kind word. A listening ear. An honest compliment. Or the smallest act of caring. All of which have the potential to turn a life around” -Leo Buscaglia
“One will never forget the way one makes them feel. As Buscaglia mentioned, the smallest actions make the greatest impact. As I do service, I constantly remind myself I cannot fix someone nor their situation. Yet I can be supportive, give unconditional love, reinforce a judgment-free zone, and listen. Everyone deserves an important figure they can lean on. Service is about giving back with a pure heart. Selflessness, positive influence, weeping with those who weep, genuine contribution, and spreading hope through the Lord as he is our savior, help, and shield. I have always felt peace in helping, inspiring, and guiding others. It’s the little things that truly change a person's life. Service teaches discipline, respect, communication, understanding, patience, and intellectual humility and I will forever take advantage of the opportunity to give back.”
Olivia Dabbelt
First Year Fellow.
Brendan Endre
Major: Business Administration
Hometown: Northfield, Illinois
Service Sites: Angelman Syndrome Foundation, Habitat for Humanity, Illinois Special Olympics
“The meaning of life is to find your gift. The purpose of life is to give it away.” — David S. Viscott
My journey to finding love for service and giving back started when I had to start playing a bigger role in caring for my brother with special needs. This is where I realized I wanted to give all my effort and energy giving back to others. I do service out of love, not obligation, or because I feel the need to. I have found my greatest joy in seeing the progress and success of others, my goal is to make a small impact in every life I interact with.
Caitlyn Frey
Major: Exploratory
Hometown: Louisville, Kentucky
Service Sites: Heartfelt Tidbits, Saturday Hoops
Quote: "The best way to find yourself is to lose yourself in the service of others" -Mahatma Gandhi
Izzy King
Hometown: Columbus, Ohio
Service Sites: Vineyard Columbus, Saturday Hoops, Lydia's House, Evanston Academy, Academy of World Languages
Mother Teresa kindly reorients me “Not everyone can do great things, but we can all do things with great love.” Service is not something that you can just “do” service is really about the posture of heart— A way of life. When we think of service what often comes to mind is physical giving and doing things that seem “productive.” Or, things that come with a tangible sense of accomplishment. But service most often is simply loving others well, and making space for others. There is no better example of this than Jesus. Jesus honored the outcast, spoke to women, heard peoples stories. Jesus didn’t condemn, he made space that allowed for healing. It’s in the seemingly insignificant moments of listening and seeing each other that we can begin to heal.
What's beautiful and astounding is the invitation that Jesus has given us to “be his hands and feet” and continue to make space that allows for healing of wounds. My service relies on not my own strength, but the strength of Jesus.
Bryson Payne
First Year Fellow.
Hailey Porter
First Year Fellow.
Ava Sardina
Major: Nursing
Hometown: Menomonee Falls, Wisconsin
Service Sites: Evanston Academy, Saturday Hoops
"If you want others to be happy, practice compassion. If you want to be happy, practice compassion" - Dalai Lama
When we get overwhelmed with life, it’s important to step back and focus on one thing at a time in order to make progress. This strategy applies to service as well. While doing service, it is easy to feel like you are not making a difference with all that feels wrong in the world. In times like these, I like to step back, reflect, and focus on the small things.
I think of my service as a pebble dropped into the water. The ripple my pebble makes spreads to others. Those that I serve pass on service to the next and to the next and so on. Although I am just a pebble, my service can make a ripple that impacts many. This also reminds me to be in service with others rather than for them because we are all pebbles working to make a difference.
Lastly, I am a firm believer that what we put out into the universe we receive. Your attitude, mindset, and how you approach challenges in life determine the results and affects how others perceive you. It is important to spread positivity, love, and compassion in order to receive the same in return.