April 3, 2019
If you've met or worked with IUPUI senior Kayla Wilson, then you understand why she has been awarded the prestigious 2019 William M. Plater Civic Engagement Medallion. Her engaging spirit and enthusiasm shines through her volunteer efforts on campus. Elizabeth Wager, Lecturer and Undergraduate Program Director, Organizational Leadership, nominated Wilson for serving her peers through volunteer and other work for the Organizational Leadership (OLS) programs, the School of Engineering and Technology Office of Student Services, and the IUPUI campus as a whole.
"I first met Kayla as a potential internal transfer student to the OLS program in the spring of 2016," explained Wager. "Since our initial meeting, I’ve been honored to witness Kayla’s continuous growth and strong commitment to serving others before self. Today, Kayla’s positive attitude and energy contributes to her accomplishments as a peer mentor and school ambassador."
Wager got to know Wilson during the introduction to leadership class her first semester in the major. Wilson took the course during the pilot of a new OLS Peer Mentor Program. She quickly emerged as a group leader and she was asked to join the team after her first year in the OLS program. Wilson continues to volunteer time to contribute to the success of integrating peer mentoring into students' first-year experience.
"I am honored to be a recipient of the plater medallion to showcase my civic engagement over the past four years at IUPUI," said Wilson. "I have a passion for servant leadership and making an impact on my community."
