WASHINGTON – George Washington women’s soccer redshirt sophomore Erin Boudreau and swimming and diving senior Lauren Steagall won the prestigious Outstanding Student Service Award and Baer Award, respectively, at the 31st GW Excellence in Student Life Awards on Wednesday evening.
More than 300 nominees were submitted, and more than 20 awards were be presented on Wednesday evening at Lisner Auditorium during the university’s largest celebration of excellence.
The Outstanding Student Service Award recognizes a student who has exhibited exceptional commitment to supporting the needs and interests of the community locally and/or globally through direct community service, as well as a display of passion with the GW campus community.
Boudreau has dedicated much of her time off the pitch serving as an operations officer for The Grassroot Project, an organization run by student-athletes that works to educate at-risk youth about the HIV epidemic in Washington, D.C., as well as engage children across the world in an interactive learning experience using sport as a learning tool. Last summer, Boudreau traveled to South Africa as part of The Grassroot Project’s inaugural Leadership Academy. The women’s soccer defender has risen to be an integral member of The Grassroot Project, gathering recruits and coordinating the organization’s training program in the D.C. area. Boudreau also dedicates time to visit local schools in D.C. to spread the organization’s message as well as attend events across the world to enhance her learning and gain exposure for the non-profit.
“Community service is one of my favorite parts of being a student-athlete at GW,” said Boudreau. “I’ve love volunteering for The Grassroot Project with a lot of other student-athletes, and I am thankful for all of the opportunities to get involved in D.C.”
The Baer Award for Individual Excellence is bestowed upon a student who has demonstrated integrity and commitment in his or her overall conduct as a member of the campus community, while making a commitment to create a stronger community and enhance student life through a variety of involvements. To be nominated for the award, the student must have a minimum 3.0 GPA.
Throughout her career, Steagall has made a commitment to helping other students through a variety of activities, including tutoring. Additionally, as a Colonial Ambassador, Steagall volunteers to serve as a liaison for the Office of Alumni Relations, connecting the student body with alumni and serving as a student representative for alumni-related programs and initiatives. The senior has also worked consistently within the GW School of Business as a Fowler Coordinator. In that role, Steagall works with the career center to help underclassmen with resumes and career-related objectives.
“I am really honored to receive the award,” said Steagall. “[Academic Support Assistant} Shelby McKay nominated me, and I really appreciate her taking the time to recognize everything I have been involved in the last four years. I couldn’t have done it without the support of all my teammates.”
Swimming news courtesy of GW Swimming & Diving.