St. Mary's College of Maryland Launches Inaugural Community

St. Mary's College of Maryland proudly hosted its first annual Community Impact Awards, themed "Celebrating the St. Mary's Way in Action." The event honored students, faculty, staff and community partners for their service, leadership and meaningful engagement both on and off campus.

Caroline King, executive director of career development and community engagement, welcomed attendees and reflected on the awards' origins. Developed from a previous departmental recognition program, the Community Impact Awards were expanded this year into a campus-wide celebration to honor non-academic achievements that significantly shape the College community.

"This event recognizes the individuals and partners who embody the St. Mary's Way – those who lead with purpose, serve with compassion, and strengthen our community through collaboration," said King. 

St. Mary's College President Rhonda Phillips also delivered remarks during the event. President Phillips spoke about the importance of preparing engaged citizens and fulfilling the College's public purpose by serving the broader community.

Award Highlights

The ceremony recognized a wide range of contributions across campus and the surrounding Southern Maryland community:

• Career Mentor of the Year: Cecilia Layfield '28, recognized for exceptional peer mentorship and leadership.
• Professional Pathways Adjunct Instructor Community Impact Awards: Dr. Crystal Dunkin and Jamie Naluai, for fostering service learning and student development.
• Professional Pathways Community-Engaged Learning Award: Rosa Hance, for environmental advocacy initiatives and experiential learning opportunities.
• Distinguished Campus Partner Award: Holly Fabbri '12, MAT'13, for strengthening cross-campus collaboration and student-focused initiatives.
• Departmental Awards:
  • Psychology Community Impact Award: Angie Draheim '03, for exemplifying the St. Mary's Way through community service and support.
  • Sociology Social Impact & Advocacy Award: Li Rizek '26, for inspiring positive social impact through engagement and civic responsibility.
• Peer Health Educator of the Year: Pillar Dyson '27, for leadership in mental health awareness programming.
• Accessibility Ally Awards: Six faculty members recognized for advancing inclusive education and supporting students with disabilities. They are:
  • Dr. George MacLeod, Associate Professor of French
  • Dr. Matt Wilfong, Assistant Professor of Environmental Studies
  • Dr. Cait McPherson, Visiting Assistant Professor in Anthropology
  • Dr. Sarah Malena, Associate Professor of History
  • Dr. James Mantell, Associate Professor of Psychology
  • Dr. Matthew Fehrs, Associate Professor of Political Science
• Public Safety Officer of the Year: Officer Victoria Janey, for outstanding professionalism and commitment to campus safety.
• Faculty Community Engagement Awards: Dr. Parisa Rinaldi and Dr. Trish Davis, for integrating community-engaged learning into academic experiences.
• Student Outstanding Community Service Awards: Lily Beck '26 and Clay Kiesel '27, for their dedication to local nonprofit and animal welfare efforts.
• Community Partners of the Year, for their exceptional partnership in providing community engagement and professional development experiences to our students:
  • St. Mary's County Recreation and Parks Museum Division and Manager Karen Stone
  • The MIL Corporation, represented by Executive Vice President Tom Clark 

The event concluded with a performance by Interchorus and a community reception, reinforcing the spirit of connection and celebration that defines the College's approach to engagement.

The Community Impact Awards will continue annually, highlighting the individuals and organizations that exemplify the St. Mary's Way and make a lasting difference in the St. Mary's College community and beyond.