MN Community Compact Presidents’ Awards

Three members of the Bethel University community were recently honored with Presidents’ Awards from Minnesota Community Compact at the annual banquet. Minnesota Campus Compact supports civic engagement and democratic renewal through its diverse network of colleges and universities, which includes public and private institutions from across the state. Tanden Brekke, assistant director of community engagement and service learning here at Bethel, nominated each of Bethel’s honorees.  

Professor of Anthropology Harley Schreck received the Presidents’ Civic Engagement Steward Award for his work in significantly advancing Bethel’s civic mission in a variety of ways. In his nomination, Brekke said, “As an anthropology professor at Bethel University, Harley Schreck has demonstrated a strong commitment and passion for deploying social science knowledge in general to the service of community and humanity through service-learning and the Bethel Urban House. This has broadened the humanistic horizon and inspired many generations of students.”

The Presidents’ Student Leadership Award was given to senior Chloe Johnson, majoring in social work with a minor in reconciliation studies, for modeling a deep commitment to civic responsibility and leadership and integrating it into the college experience. “She has served in the Bethel Student Social Work Association and provided leadership for several campus-wide educational events on human trafficking and other important issues,” Brekke said. “She has built significant relationships with community agencies through working with the Bethel-Frogtown/Summit University Partnership.”

Since 1998, Bethel University has been part of the Partnership Advisory Committee (PAC) with local leaders and residents of the Frogtown and Summit-University neighborhoods to intentionally build relationships to bridge the Bethel campus and these communities. Mike Givins has been an active member of the PAC over the years. He was presented with the Presidents’ Community Partner Award for his work as a partner with Bethel, helping to enrich educational and community outcomes. Givins’ mother, Bertha, was one of PAC founding members. “Mike Givins has followed in the footsteps of his mother by working relentlessly to build a vibrant community in the Frogtown/Summit University neighborhoods,” explained Brekke. “Through programs like Shop with Cops and Peace Celebration, Mike has nurtured positive community connections. Many people have been blessed through his love and commitment.”