Erin Engelhardt, Seattle University Assitant Athletic Director for Student-Athlete Support/Senior Woman's Administrator, was presented Thursday night with the Spirit of Community Award. The award is given out annually by the SU Center for Service and Community Engagement to those who create strong reciprocal partnerships with the community to foster social change, inspire reflective, creative, compassionate, and just leaders, and leading with integrity, dedication, humility, and soul.
Erin received the award for her involvement with the student-athlete toy drive, Thursday All Girls Gym days at the Rotary Boys and Girls Club, and the SU field day held in the Connolly Center. She has been essential in the resurrection of the partnership between the Rotary Boys and Girls Club and the Seattle University athletics program. Erin has gone to the Boys and Girls Club with other female student-athletes to introduce young people to new sports like lacrosse as well as the traditional sports like basketball and soccer.
"This award really goes to the student-athletes for all their hard work, but we still have a lot of work to do, this is just the beginning," said Engelhardt.
Erin was nominated for the award by Rotary Boys and Girls Club education director Sheely Mauck, who said, "We have really loved Erin's energy and enthusiasm for partnering with us, as well as her willingness to jump right into the mix of things alongside the student-athlete volunteers."
Erin was one of seven recipients to receive the award at the fourth annual award show.