The School of Liberal Education is pleased to announce the inaugural winner of a new award this year, the School of Liberal Education Volunteer Award. The award of $1,000 will be given to a student with high academic standing and a strong record of volunteer activity in the community.

This year’s winner is Madeline Szabo, a third-year neuroscience student, born and raised in Lethbridge.  She has a passion for science, as well as for helping others, and hopes to go on to medical school to become a doctor. She volunteers for a variety of organizations and events, including the Chinook Regional Hospital, Big Brothers Big Sisters Lethbridge, Pronghorn Athletics and All Saints Parish. She also coaches and mentors young athletes. Szabo competes in Track and Field as a hammer thrower with the Pronghorns and hopes to represent Team Canada in the sport.

She is a shining example of someone who lives the liberal education ideal of engaged citizenship.

The School of Liberal Education Volunteer Award was established by Drs. Steve and Shelly Wismath to recognize excellence and commitment. To be eligible, students need to be registered with UVolunteer and submit an essay about volunteerism, its connections to liberal education and the impact volunteering has had on their lives. More information about their donation can be found in the Donor Report.