Educational Excellence in the Community Award

The Center for Educational Excellence, the Mulvaney Center, and the Faculty Council on Community Engagement are pleased to announce the recipient of this year’s university-wide Educational Excellence in the Community Award, Kate DeConinck, PhD! 

An adjunct assistant professor of Theology and Religious Studies, DeConinck won the award for her ongoing work with PATH (People Assisting the Homeless). Together, DeConinck, Mike Williams, PhD and Sigrid Struben from PATH have co-created an interdisciplinary course that innovatively includes Community Fellows as members of the course, allowing all participants involved to effectively investigate the history and current dynamics of homelessness in the United States.

As articulated in the Community Fellow application, “The aim of the Community Fellows Program is to create a transformative and meaningful learning experience for all participants. USD students will benefit from seeing how our class materials connect to real-world complexities and challenges; student learning will be enhanced through consistent engagement with Community Fellows in class. At the same time, Community Fellows will benefit from having space to reflect upon their experiences in an educational and supportive environment”.

DeConinck’s efforts have truly strengthened and enhanced USD’s presence in and connection to the community. Please join us in congratulating Dr. DeConinck and the important work that her, her students and PATH are dedicated to for the San Diego community!

Brought to you by the Mulvaney Center and the Center for Educational Excellence