The award is presented annually to students from member campuses of the organization who exhibit outstanding leadership and innovative approaches in community service or service-learning endeavors. Dowdell, a social work major at WCU, is one of 24 students selected for the award.

Dowdell will receive the award on Saturday, Nov. 8, at High Point University.

“Ramona is one of the most conscientious and ethical students with whom I have ever worked in more than 20 years in the field,” said Jane Adams-Dunford, WCU assistant vice chancellor for student affairs. “She is regularly sought by students, faculty, staff and community members for her insight, leadership, creativity and candor. She is the consummate team player and an incredible facilitator to others’ efforts to get things done, always putting others above her personal gain.”

A resident of Cullowhee, Dowdell (shown above) is the daughter of Ronald and Elizabeth Dowdell from Sour Lake, Texas. She graduated from Orange Hill High School in Hillsborough in 2005.

“I take seriously the advice given by Gandhi, ‘Be the change you wish to see in the world,’” said Dowdell, who is a former Medford Service-Learning Scholar at WCU. “I truly value community service, and I strongly believe in selflessness. It gives me a sense of satisfaction to see people achieve their goals, no matter how small. I believe that everyone should have equal opportunities in our society.”

Dowdell’s volunteerism shows through her work with various organizations, including REACH of Macon County, a domestic violence and rape crisis center; the Girl Scouts of Western North Carolina; and Habitat for Humanity.

Dowdell helped organize WCU’s first alternative spring break in 2007, marking an expansion of the Alternative Break Program, in which she has participated since its inception in 2005. During the 2007-2008 academic year, she also assisted the Center for Service Learning in planning projects for Make a Difference Day, when more than 50 WCU students, faculty and staff members participated in projects at six sites in three WNC counties.

In addition, she was a member of the planning committee for the 2008 Martin Luther King Jr. Day of Service, and she participated at the Pigeon Community Development Center in Waynesville, serving as a mentor, and arts and crafts instructor for children and youth. She also is active in numerous other campus and community organizations.

“Ramona Dowdell strives to make a positive difference in the lives of others,” said Glenn Bowen, director of WCU’s Center for Service Learning. “Her volunteer work with children, youth and senior citizens attests to her strong commitment to community service and civic engagement. She is an outstanding student leader, an exemplary volunteer and a positive role model at WCU.”

N.C. Campus Compact is a coalition of 39 college and university presidents and chancellors, established to encourage and support campus engagement in the community. WCU became a member campus in 2005.

For more information about Western’s service-learning program, visit servicelearning.wcu.edu or call (828) 227-7184.

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Last modified: Monday, Oct. 20, 2008