Last May, Chelsea Bango was honored by the Keuka College community with the 2008 Student Commitment Award at the annual Leadership Awards Ceremony.

On Oct. 30, the senior social work major will be recognized by the greater Rochester community with the 2009 Student Standout Award at a ceremony at the Hyatt Regency Rochester.

Bango is one of two college students selected to receive the award, presented to students who exhibit a strong commitment to the local community through volunteer human service activities and the promotion of volunteerism among peers.

The Greater Rochester Awards are presented by the Rochester Business Journal and the United Way of Greater Rochester Inc. and sponsored by Excellus BlueCross BlueShield, Rochester Region; Bank of America Corp.; and Dixon Schwabl Advertising Inc.

“Chelsea has a commitment to service and understanding about helping others that you do not see among many college students today,” wrote Keuka College President Joseph G. Burke in a letter nominating Bango for the award. “Her experience with coordinating programs; working with people from various backgrounds, ages and abilities; along with her positive attitude are refreshing and energizing.”

“I was honored to even be nominated by Dr. Burke, but I was surprised and excited at the same time to be given this award,” said Bango, who plans on pursuing a master’s degree in social work at University of Buffalo following graduation in May. “I love people, and volunteering gives me the opportunity to interact with and help people at the same time. In being a future social worker, it is in my Code of Ethics to participate in volunteering. I encourage my friends and fellow social work/club members to do community service.”

_{^{The Easter Basket Project is one of many community service projects}}

_{^{that benefit from Bango's time and talents.}}

A member of the Association of Future Social Workers since she started at Keuka in 2006 (she has served as president and co-president of the organization), Bango has served as student co-coordinator for the Greater Rochester Big Brothers Big Sisters program at the College for the last three years. She recruits big brothers and sisters, interviews and follows up with matches, and plans events and activities.

An active participant in the Women’s Center, Bango coordinated the Clothesline Project in 2007 and 2008 to raise awareness of domestic violence. She also worked with Keuka College Director of Counseling Claudia Welbourne to put on the 2007, 2008, and 2009 Take Back the Night marches that raise funds for, and awareness of, rape victims.

Vice President of Keuka China Care in fall 2008, Bango also participated in Habitat for Humanity; Closet of Hope clothing pantry; Wellness G.I.F.T.S. (Bath, N.Y.), serving as mentor for children with Tourette’s syndrome; and Keuka Connection, mentoring local middle school children. She continues to make regular visits to the elderly residents of Clinton Crest Manor in Penn Yan.

A member of the President’s Leadership Circle, Phi Alpha National Honor Society, and Sigma Lambda Sigma, Bango was recognized by the College for the difference she made in her community when she was just a senior in high school (Indian River Central School in Philadelphia, N.Y.). She was selected Experiential Learner of the Month for October 2005 and touted for being a founding member of the Oxbow Presbyterian Church choir and assuming a leadership role in the youth group (she raised funds so that the youth group could attend spiritual conferences and conduct a mission trip to help the homeless in New York City). She was also recognized for her work with the local fire department, and took a lead role in the staging of a community pig roast that raised funds to help maintain local cemeteries with the Cemetery Association.  

“Chelsea’s commitment to helping and educating others is ranked among the best at Keuka College,” wrote Burke. “She has taken the initiative to provide service activities both on campus and in the community.”