Campus News

Rockford, Ill., –  The Jane Addams Center for Civic Engagement (JACCE) at Rockford University recognized women leaders on the University’s campus with the Young Leader Award and Women’s History Month Recognition Award in a ceremony held March 31. Recipients were honored for their efforts of bringing social change to society.

Hazel Koch Professor of English, Mary Weaks-Baxter, Ph.D., and Director of Center for Learning Strategies, Jeanne Grey received the Women’s History Month Recognition Award.  Professor Weaks-Baxter is among a number of faculty that utilize Community Based Learning in their classroom. She emphasizes that college is not only for learning, but also for developing how to think critically and to challenge the status quo. She encourages her students to learn as much about social issues as they can and to not be afraid to address those issues.

Director of the Center for Learning Strategies, Jeanne Grey provides more than just academic support to Rockford University students. Many students come to her with anxiety related to school or personal life. She offers support by listening, questioning, and if necessary referring those students to professionals who can further help.

The Young Leader Award was given to junior Edina Mesanovic. Edina is a Junior Nursing student, president of the Muslim Student Association, secretary of Multicultural Club, and a member of many other organizations on campus. She empowers her peers through her encouragement, kind nature, and actions. Through her involvement on campus she supports the community and advocates for social justice and change.