The Josephine Daggett Prize
Presented to Lativa Holder
By President Stephen C. Ainlay
May 8, 2010
The recipient of the Josephine Daggett Prize is selected by the faculty and the prize is awarded annually to the senior deemed to be of the best character and conduct.
The recipient of this year’s Daggett prize has been committed to breaking down stereotypes and helping others. As a host to students who are considering Union, our Daggett recipient has made the College a more welcoming place, helping prospective members of our community see the possibilities for personal growth and the opportunities to make a difference on and off campus. Our Daggett recipient has been dedicated to helping those who live in the City see our College as a friend and resource, simultaneously breaking down misconceptions about Union and Schenectady.
This year’s Daggett Prize winner has played a key role in the Kenney Center’s outreach efforts. She coordinated the Homework and Skills Development Program, helping at-risk elementary school children. Staff have come to know her as one who will “step up,” assisting whenever needed in tutoring middle and high school students in our STEP program. In her role at the Kenney Center, she has been thrust into the middle of difficult situations – situations where family structure may be in a state of collapse or where children have been neglected. She has responded to each situation with characteristic care, patience, and compassion.
It is probably telling that our Daggett Prize recipient has been a successful member of our Ethics Bowl team. This team has realized great success in its debates with teams from other distinguished institutions. Our team’s success has owed, in part, to the intelligence, sophisticated understanding of ethical issues, and effective communication skills of our Daggett Prize winner.
This year’s recipient of the Daggett Prize has been active in many other College programs and initiatives, including the Black Student Union, Colleges Against Cancer, America Reads, Big Brother/Big Sister, and Relay for Life. Next year, she will join Teach for America. In that new capacity, she will continue her commitment to disadvantaged youth, lifting their sights, inspiring them the dream.
It is in recognition of her consistent advocacy for the value of service, her understanding of ethical and moral commitment, and her tireless efforts to inspire dreams and lift aspirations that we present Lativa Holder with the Daggett Prize.