9 People and Partners in the Binghamton Community Making a Difference

Asha Philip, Youth Initiative Student Staff Member for CCE

Award: Excellence in Civic Engagement

Asha, a passionate advocate for voter engagement since fall 2021, has served as a poll inspector and has organized election activities to encourage student participation. Recently, she co-founded the Binghamton Upcycle Project, collaborating with campus staff to enhance recycling efforts, with proceeds funding other student-led environmental initiatives. Asha is a committed leader in the Public Service Learning Community who makes a substantial contribution to the organization and management of various program activities. She has organized student walks to the polls to encourage voting participation, raised over $10,000 to support Ukraine and worked with VINES to create community gardens, among other initiatives.

Clay Jeon, First-Year Student

Award: Al Vos Excellence in Community Engagement

As a first-year student, Clay demonstrated excellence in community engagement through his volunteer work both on campus and in the community. His commitment to bringing tutoring services to middle and high school students has been instrumental, and he has been involved in various campus organizations and projects. Clay has actively volunteered with a number of organizations in addition to his work with Pipe Dream and his Contribution Project. Hosted by Cornell University, the Contribution Project assists students in creating and carrying out their initiatives of cultivating relationships that build stronger communities. Clay’s “The Strangers Project” provides a forum to anonymously submit deeply moving stories that capture the human experience. For a student who has been on campus for less than a full academic year, this degree of engagement and commitment is recognized.

Women's Lacrosse Team

Award: Excellence in Community Engagement

The Binghamton University Women’s Lacrosse Team has been recognized for its outstanding community engagement, including volunteering with Advocates for Autism, the Vestal Special Olympics and hosting lacrosse camps for local kids. Their dedication to community service, even during demanding seasons, reflects their profound understanding of the importance of collective action and collaboration. Their dedication to going above and beyond their obligations in sports and academics to positively influence the larger Binghamton community inspires others to follow in their footsteps.

Steve Seepersaud, Advancement Communications Manager

Award: President’s Award for Staff Excellence in Community Engagement

Steve Seepersaud has been a dedicated leader in the Binghamton community, serving as chair of the local American Red Cross chapter and recently elected president of the Binghamton City Board of Education. His continued collaborations have led to organized blood drives and safety classes, and since his election to the school board in 2019, he has prioritized academic success and safety for students under his campaign motto, “Put Our Kids First.” Notably, he led initiatives like the Leaders Day event to promote youth athletics and played a key role in securing funding for the reconstruction of Roosevelt Elementary School.

Joseph Leeson-Schatz, Director of Debate

Award: Provost’s Award for Faculty Excellence in Community-Engaged Teaching

Since 2017, Professor Schatz’s Debate and Argumentative Theory courses have involved students in community engagement by helping middle schoolers at Binghamton West and East organize weekly public debates. This initiative enhances students’ public speaking and argumentation skills while building confidence. Over the past three years, they’ve participated in the annual Binghamton East vs. West debate tournament and coached local students for the Harvard High School Debate Tournament, where students from the district qualified for elimination rounds both years.

Brianna Akande ‘24

Award: Undergraduate Student Employee of the Year

Brianna, a front desk community engagement assistant at the Center for Civic Engagement (CCE), earned a micro-credential through the LEAD program and actively engaged with elementary schoolers through the Youth Initiative during her time at Binghamton University. Her meticulous attention to detail and ability to foster trust enhances the integrity of CCE’s work, positively impacting students, faculty and community partners alike.

Judith E. Quaranta, Associate Professor of Decker College of Nursing and Health Sciences

Award: Provost’s Award for Faculty Excellence in Community-Engaged Scholarship

Professor Quaranta has been a driving force in community engagement and public health education since 1999, partnering with local school districts and the American Lung Association’s Open Airways for Schools program to support families managing asthma. Since 2015, she has integrated Binghamton University nursing students into this initiative through her Research Methods Course (NURS499), providing hands-on experience that benefits both students and the community. Her work also includes developing the Pediatric Well-Being Picture Scale© to address children’s mental health issues. By fostering collaboration and encouraging ongoing research, Professor Quaranta cultivates a new generation of nursing professionals committed to improving public health outcomes.

Luca Cassidy, SA Vice President for Student Success

Award: Partners for Campus Community Engagement Civic Leadership Student Recognition

Since his arrival at Binghamton, Luca has actively engaged in community service through various programs, including the LEAD program and the Public Service Learning Community, and taking the Foundations of Civic Engagement Course. As a leader in the Student Association, he has initiated voter registration fairs, encouraged students to become poll workers and worked towards establishing an early voting site on campus. Luca’s collaborative spirit and commitment to social change have made a significant impact both on campus and in the wider community.

Gigi's Playhouse

Award: Community Partner of the Year

Gigi’s Playhouse of the Southern Tier boasts a strong partnership with Binghamton University, with 70-80% of its volunteers composed of University students, faculty and staff. Gigi’s collaborates across various academic disciplines and has notably partnered with the Speech and Language Pathology program, integrating speech into adult cooking classes—a model now implemented nationally. This partnership not only enriches Gigi’s participants but also provides our students with invaluable hands-on learning experiences. Undergraduate and incoming graduate SLP students benefit greatly from this collaboration by receiving real-world experience and application. Student clinicians acquire a crucial clinical experience that is uniquely offered at Binghamton University.

Binghamton University focuses on cultivating a culture of leadership, teamwork and service that enables partners, staff, faculty, and students to create significant change. With their diligence and vision, each honoree enhances the University and the larger community, demonstrating the strength of civic commitment.

Andi Stack is the Assistant Director for Communications at the Center for Civic Engagement. Andi graduated from SUNY Oneonta with a bachelor’s degree in computer art. She coordinated marketing and volunteer initiatives for the local United Way before taking on this position. In her free time, Andi enjoys DIY projects and spending time with her two dogs.