Ohio Northern University junior Katherine Feldhues, a youth ministry and sociology major from Milford, Ohio, has been honored with the 2009 Charles J. Ping Student Community Service Award from Ohio Campus Compact.

Feldhues received a $250 legacy grant as part of the award. Dr. Kendall L. Baker, Ohio Northern University president, nominated Feldhues in recognition of her work as coordinator of the Ada Friends program.

"Katie is a wonderful example of students taking initiatives to improve not only our campus, but also the community. She saw the potential of the Ada Friends program and took the steps to help the program to expand," said Baker.

The Ada Friends program pairs ONU students with students from Ada Elementary School. As coordinator of the program, Feldhues has introduced new activities, including group trips to the Toledo Zoo and an Ohio State University baseball game, that have improved attendance rates and increased interest in the program and interaction between the University and the Ada community.

The Ping Award is designed to recognize and honor undergraduate students' outstanding leadership and efforts in community service on their campus and within their community. The award is granted annually to undergraduates from Ohio Campus Compact member institutions who exhibit outstanding leadership in community service endeavors. Ohio Campus Compact is a network of Ohio colleges and universities that works to develop the civic purposes of higher education.

Published: Wed, 04/08/2009 - 4:11pm