Honoring a Legacy of Faith at the Annual Student Service Awards

Loyola Marymount University's Pam Rector Center for Service and Action (CSA) held its annual awards on Thursday, April 30, 2026, to honor the service of students who have served the local and global community through service hours at community placements, Special Games, community-based learning, and Alternative Breaks. Patrick Furlong, Ed.D., director of CSA, opened the ceremony by sharing how the center strives to be a hub of service at LMU, serving as a bridge between community partners and brilliant, compassionate students. "The students honored here today really represent the best of what it means to lean into our sense of mission and community," said Furlong. "If you know anything about the women's religious communities in the Catholic church then you know something of what it is to encounter people who really devote themselves fully to mission and fully to community."

The awards were renamed a couple of years ago to recognize and honor the contributions to our campus community of the Sisters of St. Joseph, the C.S.J.s, and the Religious Sacred Heart of Mary, the R.S.H.M.s. "We would tell you that the C.S.J.s model what it means to love God and the dear neighbor without distinction," said Furlong. "They have a set of maxims from their years that are really incredible, reminding us that humility is the truth our lives ought to be a continuous act of love, and they urge us to remember that we are frail and glorious. Meanwhile, the R.S.H.M.s also speak with humility, they urge us to walk humbly with God, to act justly, to love tenderly. They model what it means to be a presence of love and joy."

Nineteen graduating seniors were honored with the Religious of the Sacred Heart of Mary (R.S.H.M.) Senior Service awards co-sponsored by the Pam Rector Center for Service and Action and the Religious of Sacred Heart of Mary for their commitment to service and justice through off-campus volunteer service. Each student needed to complete at least 200 hours of service during their time at LMU.

For many of these award recipients, service has been at the heart of their journey at LMU and connecting them to the LMU mission of being people for and with others. Evan Wu '26, a biology major, shared how it allowed him to make a difference and connect with the community. "I valued my service at LMU because it gave me the opportunity to make a meaningful difference in others' lives while working alongside some of my closest friends," said Wu. Similarly for Natalia Arana '26, a psychology major, shared how service has shown "the true value behind presence, empathy, and applying my skills to support others beyond myself." "Service has allowed me to grow genuine connections and friendships while making a tangible impact in and outside of LMU," she said. For John Kassabian '26, an urban and environmental studies major, service reminded him of humanity. "Service, above all, reminds me of the humanity, compassion, and love that makes communities strong and resilient," said Kassabian.

Three students were honored with the CSJ Service Awards sponsored by the Sisters of St. Joseph of Orange to recognize LMU students for their outstanding contributions in the area of community service, exemplifying LMU's tradition of being people "for and with others." Each of these students received a $1,000 award and a $1,000 donation to their community partner.

Sadie Nanson '26, an English and women and gender studies major, was honored with both the CSJ and the RSHM awards for service at St. Columbkille School. Founded in 1923 by the Sisters of Notre Dame de Namur, St. Columbkille has long served the South Los Angeles community by providing a safe, nurturing, faith-centered learning environment. Committed to inspiring academic excellence and holistic growth, spiritual, emotional, and physical, the school thrives through strong community support and a tradition of continuous improvement focused on student success. Nanson shared, "I enjoy service because I love fostering meaningful relationships with the kids and teachers with whom I work. I also love proving one-on-one classroom support that was so valuable to me as a student and always made me feel seen; watching my students grow and master new concepts is a gift."

Alyssa Rodriguez '26, a biology major, who served at the Jenesse Center Inc., a nationally recognized nonprofit dedicated to preventing and addressing domestic violence through culturally sensitive programs. Serving communities locally and globally, Jenesse supports survivors by providing emergency and transitional housing, legal and mental health services, life skills and job training, and educational programs for youth. Its work focuses on helping families move from crisis to self-sufficiency while promoting healthy relationships and breaking cycles of violence. Rodriguez service is about showing love for our neighbors, "Service bridges the gap between lessons learned and meaningful community progress," said Rodriguez. "It is the greatest way we can show love for our neighbor."

Connor Schmit '28, a biology student, served at St. Jerome School, a Catholic elementary school dedicated to supporting parents in the Christian education of their children. Supervised by the Archdiocese of Los Angeles and staffed by dedicated lay teachers, the school is an integral part of its parish community, fostering gospel values and Christian living. Fully accredited by WCEA and WASC, St. Jerome emphasizes respect for each child's unique gifts while encouraging a caring, inclusive school community. For Schmit, service has allowed for connection and a deeper understanding of humanity, "Service allows me to connect with people from all different stages of life and lived experiences," said Schmit. "Through these connections, I continue to learn so much about the world and develop a deeper understanding of humanity."