Coe student and professor named Iowa Campus Compact Presidents’ Award recipients
Mia Resa ’20 and Dr. Renee Penalver
Psychology major Mia Resa ’20 and Assistant Professor of Psychology Dr. Renee Penalver have been named Iowa Campus Compact Presidents’ Award (IACC) recipients. Resa is the recipient of a Student Leadership Award, and Penalver is the recipient of a Civic Engagement Leadership Award.
The IACC’s Presidents’ Student Leadership Award honors an individual who models a deep commitment to civic responsibility and leadership, evidenced by initiative, innovative and collaborative approaches to addressing public issues, effective community building and integration of civic engagement into the college experience.
Resa served through AmeriCorps at local Women, Infants and Children (WIC) supplemental nutrition clinics and in Cedar Rapids schools where she mentored and tutored students. She has conducted graduate-level research and worked with the elderly to fight social isolation and build community. Resa is an executive member of I’m First, Coe’s organization for first-generation college students. She also received a scholarship and award for academic excellence in the Hispanic community and is a member of the American Association of University Women.
The IACC’s Presidents’ Civic Engagement Leadership Award recognizes a member of the faculty who has significantly advanced their campus’ distinctive civic mission by forming strong partnerships, supporting others’ civic and community engagement and working to institutionalize a culture and practice of engagement.
Penalver’s work as the faculty fellow for community engagement at Coe is largely focused on empowering the Coe and Cedar Rapids communities through increasing access to information and resources for all and connecting people and organizations. Evidence of Penalver’s work has spanned her teaching, scholarship, service and fellowship. She has played a major role in touting the benefits of faculty and community partnerships while serving as a valuable resource to Coe’s faculty.
“I was incredibly honored to nominate both Mia and Renee for these distinguished awards,” Coe President David McInally said. “They both deserve recognition for the crucial roles they play in our Coe and Cedar Rapids communities. Congratulations, Mia and Renee!”
IACC is a statewide association of college and university presidents providing leadership for the civic mission of higher education and strengthening the capacity of its member colleges and universities to prepare all students to become engaged citizens.
Coe College offers superb academics and exciting co-curricular activities in a thriving urban setting that promotes student growth and success. Established in 1851, Coe has a national reputation for academic excellence enhanced by a student-centered, highly supportive campus environment. Coe’s vibrant Cedar Rapids location provides an abundance of internships for students and career opportunities for graduates.