In an event celebrating community and collaboration, two Saginaw Valley State University staff members were honored with 2024 Heart of the City awards for their contributions and service to the Great Lakes Bay Region.
David Lewis, director of SVSU’s School University Partnership Office, received the Outstanding Leadership Award, which recognizes those who demonstrate a commitment to bettering the Great Lakes Bay Region through leadership and community service.
In his role, Lewis oversees the daily operations of the School University Partnership Office, which supports 18 authorized public charter academies in Michigan, serving more than 11,500 students. He also manages the university’s Public School Academy Scholarship Program, which provides four-year, renewable scholarships to 115 public school academy graduates attending SVSU.
Carmen Stricker was honored with the Heart of the City Motivation Award, a testament to her role as a motivational leader who fosters a culture of excellence by inspiring others to achieve their full potential.
Stricker serves as the director of the King-Chavez-Parks (KCP) 4S program at SVSU. The 4S — Select Student Support Services — program is a component of the KCP Initiative and aims to increase graduation rates through retention programs that target academically or economically disadvantaged students.
Stricker has collaborated with administration, faculty and staff, to develop a comprehensive network of resources to ensure students receive support to thrive academically and socially.
