Emma Atuire has received the Judy Sandeen award for her outstanding service to the College campus and local community. The award was presented to Atuire earlier this year at the Hastings College National Volunteer Week Luncheon. The award is given in honor of Judy Sandeen, who retired as director of the Campus Health Center in 2007 after 29 years of service to the College.
Atuire, of Denver, Colorado, graduated from Hastings College in May 2018, was nominated by two different faculty members who praised her work.
She helped to create a Lavender Celebration on campus for LGBTQAI students graduating from Hastings College, and was also an active member of Radical Notion, where she brought an intersectional lens to issues faced by women in the workforce, and especially women of color. Atuire also worked with the Hastings College Committee on Consent, Alcohol Use and Gender.
During her time on campus Atuire organized a fundraising campaign for students in Nebraska impacted by the changes in Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA). She and another student leader raised more than $3,000 to help cover legal fees incurred by DACA recipients.
As a student who focused on social justice issues, Atuire was passionate about working to evoke change in the community. During a sociology service learning class, Atuire volunteered at Crossroads Rescue Mission in Hastings, where she worked with the homeless. Upon completion of the project, Crossroads offered her a part-time job, where she continued her efforts to serve others. As part of the Sandeen Award, Atuire received $500 to donate to the non-profit of her choice, which she donated to Crossroads.
A triple major in sociology, philosophy and theatre with a minor in Women and Gender Studies, Atuire remained committed to both social justice and to her studies. Graduating summa cum laude, Atuire accepted a place at the University of California, Berkeley School of Law, where she’ll begin the next stage of her journey this fall.
