Celebrating Impact: VCU’s 2025 Excellence in Community Engagement Awards Ceremony
The 2025 Excellence in Community Engagement Awards Ceremony, coordinated by the Grants and Awards Committee of the Council for Community Engagement and supported by the Division of Community Engagement—which stewards the Council and its working groups—celebrated outstanding achievements that have made a meaningful and lasting impact in communities across the Richmond region and beyond. These awards honor individuals, students, faculty, and community partners whose collaborative efforts advance VCU’s mission to foster collaborative and transformative community engagement efforts..
This year’s ceremony recognized exemplary work across five key categories: Demonstrated Impact in Community Engagement, Community-Engaged Research Partnership, Transformative Educational Experience, Outstanding Community Engagement by a Student or Group of Students, and Outstanding Community Partner. Each award highlights innovative approaches to building trust, advancing knowledge, and creating sustainable change through partnership.
A Celebration of Service, Partnership, and Promise
Dr. Maghboeba Mosavel, Vice Provost for Community Engagement, opened the ceremony with inspiring remarks that set the tone for the evening. Acknowledging the day’s weather as a metaphor for hope and inspiration, Dr. Mosavel emphasized that the ceremony extends beyond accolades. It affirms the hard work, sacrifice, and service invested by VCU’s faculty, staff, students, and community partners.
Highlighting VCU’s institutional commitment to community engagement, she highlighted the critical roles played by the Division of Community Engagement and the Council for Community Engagement in shaping university policies that support impactful engagement. This year marked a significant milestone with students being recognized for the first time, reflecting their vital contributions. Dr. Mosavel expressed profound gratitude toward community partners for their trust and collaboration, underscoring the shared accountability that fuels successful partnerships.
Honoring Excellence Across Five Award Categories
The ceremony recognized achievements across five distinguished categories, each showcasing diverse ways VCU and its partners are advancing community engagement:
Demonstrated Impact in Community Engagement — Dr. David Naff
Dr. David Naff, Assistant Professor in the School of Education and Director of the Metropolitan Educational Research Consortium (MERC), accepted this award on behalf of his dedicated team. MERC, established in 1991, stands as one of the nation’s pioneering education research-practice partnerships. Dr. Naff highlighted the consortium’s focus on building trusting relationships with public schools facing complex challenges like absenteeism, teacher retention, and mental health needs.
He emphasized the continuous effort to measure and communicate the tangible impacts of their work, grounded in real-world educational experiences. His gratitude extended to school partners, colleagues, students, mentors, and his family for their support and inspiration.
Community-Engaged Research Partnership — Dr. Alex Wagaman
Dr. Alex Wagaman, Associate Professor at the VCU School of Social Work, shared a poignant reflection on her participatory action research with queer and trans youth during a politically turbulent time in Arizona. Her story underscored the role of advocacy, witnessing, and leveraging university affiliation to support marginalized communities.
Dr. Wagaman called on faculty to actively engage in research centered on dignity, respect, and social justice, expressing deep appreciation for the mentors, students, and community members who share this commitment.
Transformative Educational Experience — Dr. Kendra Johnson
Dr. Kendra Johnson, Assistant Professor and Anna Lou Schaberg Endowed Professor of Practice, brought heartfelt emotion to her acceptance speech. As a Richmond native from the East End neighborhood, she spoke passionately about the power of education to transform lives. Dr. Johnson stressed the importance of truly knowing students—their families, challenges, and aspirations—and integrating that knowledge into teaching and leadership driven by love and possibility.
She acknowledged the support of community partners and expressed excitement for continuing collaborative impact in communities facing real challenges.
Outstanding Community Engagement by a Student or Group of Students — Personalized Exploration for College Success
Representing the student group Personalized Exploration for College Success (PECS), senior advisor Kenny Phan and Subrat Poudel expressed pride in their collaborative work with community partners and high school students. They highlighted the rewarding moments when students realize their potential and that the opportunity to go to college exists. Kenny and Subrat recognized the resilience of the students and the dedication of volunteers and mentors who fuel PECS’s success.
They extended their gratitude to Professor Mary Boyes and the Division of Community Engagement for their ongoing support.
Outstanding Community Partner — Friends of East End
Friends of East End, a community organization devoted to preserving historic cemeteries in Richmond, accepted this award with humility and gratitude. Their speaker recounted the group’s growth from a small volunteer base in 2013 to large-scale community events involving hundreds of participants. Acknowledging crucial partnerships with local government agencies, community groups, and funders such as the Community Foundation of Richmond, Friends of East End shared their commitment to ongoing stewardship work.
They invited the community to upcoming public workdays on May 31, June 14, June 28th, July 12, and July 26, 2025 and more information can be found at cfengage.com
Recognizing Every Contribution
Dr. Mosavel concluded her remarks by reminding everyone to stay committed to the work of community engagement and to continue striving for excellence, regardless of nominations, awards, or recognition. She acknowledged that for most, the true reward is reflected in the work itself and the impact it has in the communities served.
Misti Mueller, co-chair of the Grants and Awards Committee, closed the ceremony by expressing gratitude to everyone who served on the committee, including the community partner reviewers. She concluded with a message that captured what many in the room were likely feeling—hopeful, inspired, and energized to continue advancing community-engaged work through meaningful partnership and collaboration that creates lasting impact.
The 2025 Excellence in Community Engagement Awards Ceremony was a powerful affirmation of VCU’s mission to foster partnerships that advance education, research, and community well-being. It celebrated not only achievement but also the shared values of trust, accountability, and hope that sustain this work.
See the full gallery from the awards ceremony.
