March 27 - Congratulations to recent Ph.D. graduate Shefali Mehta on being named a recipient of the 2008 Mary A. McEvoy Award for Public Engagement and Leadership. This award is given annually to graduate and professional students who display leadership and public engagement which is clearly “above and beyond” one’s normal duties and responsibilities.
The award is given to one graduate and one professional student who demonstrate dedication and assistance that benefit an individual, group or community, or strengthens a democratic way of life. The recipients of the McEvoy will also receive the President’s Student Leadership and Service Award. The awards will be distributed at a banquet on May 5, 2008.
In his nomination letter, Department Head Robert King noted Shefali’s very significant role in founding and leading the Teaching SMART program. This program links volunteer undergraduate and graduate students at the University of Minnesota with elementary school students in active learning experiences focused on math and science.
It introduces young public school students not only to the excitement of science but also to a diverse group of University students who provide concrete evidence that real people from all sorts of backgrounds can go to college and be successful there. More information about the program can be found at http://www.tc.umn.edu/~t-smart/.
Rob King went on to comment on Shefali’s leadership qualities. “Like all good leaders, she defines clear goals and maintains a sharp focus on them. She is persuasive and persistent, yet she also listens to others and is prepared to adapt her thinking.
She is creative and has a wonderful ability to communicate innovative ideas to others in a simple, convincing manner.She has seemingly boundless energy. Perhaps most important, though, she is truly connected with and concerned about the needs of others.”
