Published Monday, April 25th, 2022
The annual award, started by Dr. Ron Holt ’89, recognizes graduating WSC seniors who have served as an exemplary role model and contributed to the service ethos of the college campus and community.
Hannah McGill of West Point and Brianna Parsons of Omaha were named the Dr. Ron Holt Civic Engagement Award winners for the 2021-22 academic year. The annual award, started by Dr. Ron Holt ’89, recognizes graduating Wayne State College seniors who have served as an exemplary role model and contributed to the service ethos of the college campus and community at large. The award includes a $500 gift, trophy, and graduation recognition. This is the ninth annual presentation of the award.
“We each have unique knowledge, skills, and abilities that can be used to help others,” said Holt. “Hannah and Brianna each exemplify civic engagement in their daily lives. Each of them has demonstrated outstanding actions to make the world a better place.”
The awards were presented to McGill and Parsons at a dinner April 21 in the Frey Conference Suite at Wayne State College. Shelby Hagerdon ’21 and Karly Smith ‘21, the 2021 recipients of the award, were also recognized at the dinner, since the 2021 ceremony had been canceled due to the COVID pandemic.
About the 2022 Recipients
Hannah McGill of West Point will graduate May 7 with a Bachelor of Science in Industrial Technology (Drafting and Design) and minors in mathematics and geospatial technology. She has participated in two service-learning projects. While at Wayne State, she has been the co-founder and vice president of the Drafting and Design Club and vice president of the Catholic Newman Club. She has served as a mentor and Bible study leader for the Newman Community. She has also been a member of Gamma Theta Upsilon, a geography honor society; Epsilon Pi Tau, a technology honor society; Kappa Mu Epsilon, a mathematics honor society; and Alpha Lambda Delta, a freshman honor society. Through Epsilon Pi Tau, McGill received the Warner Undergraduate Student Research Award for our region. She enjoys going on mission trips to help other communities as well as helping classmates and teachers with projects that need to be laser-engraved in the Center for Applied Technology building. Her honors project, “Flood Analysis along South Logan Creek in Wayne, Nebraska” involved various members of the community and was presented on campus and at a geography conference in La Vista. McGill said she is excited to graduate and start her own small business to be able to give back in new ways.
Brianna Parsons of Omaha graduated in December 2021 with a Bachelor of Arts in Communication Studies (Organizational Leadership and Public Relations) and a minor in promotion and media. She has participated in three service-learning experiences. She created the Photography Club on campus, served on the Student Activities Board, helped create and co-lead a mental health forum with the Active Minds Club, was a member of the Wildcat Academy of Leadership and Knowledge (WALK), and was a Week of Welcome Ambassador. Parsons created an online campaign called ResiliencyStrong to build a community for mental health warriors and allies. While on campus, she was also a member of the Honors Program and Philomatheans President’s Honor Society, served as president of Lambda Pi Eta communications honors society, went abroad on a mission trip to Ireland, and volunteered in her local community by hosting clothing drives or helping at a retirement home. Brianna said she believes that service means to put others before herself, noting that she has always loved helping people and wants to continue to do that for the rest of her life.