More than 200 representatives from local colleges and nonprofits gathered on April 10 to celebrate those who demonstrate exceptional community service in higher education. The Campus Compact for New Hampshire (CCNH) Presidents’ Awards recognize students, faculty, staff and local organizations that actively contribute to the betterment of their campus and community. UNH Manchester’s commitment to community service is well represented among this year’s recipients: the Neuropsychology/Psychology Club (Leadership Award); Stephanie Kirylych (Good Steward Award); and the Mental Health Center of Greater Manchester (Community Partner Award).
Presidents’ Leadership Award
The Presidents’ Leadership Award is given to an individual or student group that has made community service fundamental to their college experience. This year’s recipient, the Neuropsychology/Psychology Club, exemplifies this mission. After some time defunct, neuropsychology major Allison Dyke saw a need to connect students in the neuropsychology and psychology programs. Though this new combined club is young, they have been full steam ahead in their efforts with field trips to places like the Warren Anatomical Museum and the Francis A. Countway Library of Medicine. The club has been instrumental in making connections within areas of study for UNH Manchester students through the creation of student polls and focus groups. They’ve also worked to raise awareness for mental health issues, promoting the mental health counselor’s hours on campus and creating “Day of Kindness” and anti-stigma campaigns on campus. In addition, the club has hosted fundraisers for local Girl Scout troops, the Alzheimer’s Foundation and Huntington’s Disease Society of America, and are actively involved with the N.H. Psychological Association Academic Conference.
Presidents’ Good Steward Award
The President’s Good Steward Award is given to a faculty, administration or staff member who has contributed his or her professional expertise in service to the wider community and who has significantly advanced public service on their campus. This has been true of Stephanie Kirylych, director of academic advising, who has been instrumental in shaping a mindful, healthy approach to crafting a supportive environment for all UNH Manchester students. Drawing on her professional skills as an academic advisor and life coach, Kirylych is developing a team of professional advisors equipped to respond holistically to student concerns across a broad spectrum of life areas – academic, social, physical and emotional. She has been a valuable partner in the college’s efforts to establish its first on-site behavioral screening and consulting service, taking the lead in promoting UNH Manchester’s collaboration with the Mental Health Center of Greater Manchester. Beyond the community-wide efforts, Kirylych has actively provided support, guidance, and mentorship to first-year students as they develop the academic toolkit necessary to successfully navigate their college journey. She has also been a leading advocate in mental health awareness and mental health de-stigmatization on campus through the promotion of self-care techniques and resources at tabling events and in gratitude appreciation campaigns.
Presidents’ Community Partner Award
The Presidents’ Community Partner Award is given to a non-profit organization that has enhanced the quality of life in the community in meaningful and measurable ways and engaged in the development of sustained, reciprocal partnerships with a college or university. UNH Manchester is pleased to present this award to the Mental Health Center of Greater Manchester (MHCGM), which has enhanced the quality of life in our community in meaningful ways. In fall 2017, UNH Manchester began a collaboration with MHCGM to provide on-site behavioral screening, consulting and referral services to students. Beyond the weekly scheduled sessions, the professionals at MHCGM have conducted workshops for students to address a variety of mental health concerns specifically affecting college students. MHCGM has also provided staff and faculty training workshops in order to help UNH Manchester create - and maintain - a healthy, safe environment for all students.
