UIU community service project, service organization and individual all receive Governor's awards
Upper Iowa University Assistant Dean of Students and Director of Student Leadership and Adventure Daryl Grove (center) was presented with the Iowa Governor’s Volunteer Award by Gov. Terry Branstad (right) and Lt. Gov. Kim Reynolds
FAYETTE, Iowa (July 18, 2012) - Upper Iowa University Assistant Dean of Students and Director of Student Leadership and Adventure Daryl Grove, as well as two UIU joint-effort community service projects were recently honored at the 29th Annual Governor's Volunteer Awards during a special recognition ceremony at Gallagher Bluedorn Performing Arts Center in Cedar Falls.
Grove was honored as the catalyst for the two community service projects. During the 2004-2005 school year, Grove implemented "Peacocks for Progress," an organization that connects students with opportunities to serve the community of Fayette and Upper Iowa University. That first year, 37 projects were completed.
The following year, Fayette Appreciation Day was founded as a Peacocks for Progress project with Grove being an integral part of its implementation. It was originally part of the 150th UIU anniversary celebration, but has continued to grow over the years.
Through Peacocks for Progress, UIU students now reach out beyond campus and the community. It has become a platform for student involvement in volunteering that continues to deliver multiple service projects for community members every year, Grove said.
"I am very pleased to honor those who have given the precious gift of their time to make a difference and enrich lives in communities all across Iowa," said Governor Terry Branstad. "I never tire of meeting volunteers and hearing about the wonderful accomplishments they contribute to making this state great."
The Governor's Volunteer Awards program was created in 1982, with inaugural awards presented in 1983. What began as a small program only available to state government agencies has expanded over the years and now provides all Iowa nonprofit, charitable and government organizations with an easy way to honor their volunteers with a prestigious state-level recognition program. Several hundred volunteers are recognized each year with awards in one of several categories - individual, group, length of service or disaster volunteer.
About Upper Iowa University
Founded in 1857, Upper Iowa University is a private, not-for-profit university providing undergraduate and graduate degree programs and leadership development opportunities to over 6,800 students—nationally and internationally—at its Fayette campus and learning centers worldwide. Upper Iowa University is a recognized innovator in offering accredited, quality programs through flexible, multiple delivery systems, including online and independent study.
Contact:
Monica Bayer Heaton
Executive Director of Communications and Marketing
Phone: 563-425-5773
Cell: 515-291-2070
heatonm@uiu.edu