Northern Michigan University senior Trista Buzzo of Marquette was one of five student in the state awarded the Outstanding Community Impact Award from Michigan Campus Compact. Nine other NMU students were also recognized for their commitment to community service.

            Buzzo, who will graduate in August with a major in early childhood development and a heath minor, plans to pursue a second degree in nursing. Her choice to get into nursing was the result of an international study abroad opportunity that, in part, also played a role in her being chosen for the state award. During the summers of 2007 and 2008, Buzzo traveled to Honduras with a nursing/community health class to do work with the Yojoa International Medical Center and other media centers. After the course, she returned on her own to continue her volunteer work there.

“I am currently working on developing a non-profit organization with a group of individuals for the center,” Buzzo said. “I feel strongly about this hospital project in Honduras. I got to know the community of Santa Cruz, Honduras, and made a connection to the individuals who live there.”

            The other NMU students recognized by Michigan Campus Compact received the Commitment to Service Award, given to one student per campus in recognition of breadth of community service, or the Heart and Soul Award for significant commitment to community service.

            Recipients and awards are (Michigan listed first, with cities underlined):

            Michigan

            Bessemer: Katy Adams, Heart and Soul

Howell: Ashley Bollwahn, Heart and Soul

Lawrence: Richard Andersons, Heart and Soul

Marquette: Jason Richards, Heart and Soul

Sterling Heights: Danielle Brandreth, Heart and Soul

Otisville: Robert Christopher Vest, Heart and Soul;

 

Wisconsin

Appleton: Nichole Renee Stumpf, Heart and Soul

Green Bay: Stephanie Felton, Commitment to Service

Tomah: Nicole Weber, Heart and Soul