GES Grad Student Wins Jamgotch Award
William Dalen Rice said experiencing the generosity of people who have “less than nothing” inspires him to give more of himself. In honor of the exceptional ways in which Rice gives more of himself to serve others, he is the recipient of the 2009-10 Nish Jamgotch Jr. Humanitarian Student Award.
Rice, a graduate student in geography and earth science, will receive a $10,000 award.
Political science professor emeritus Nish Jamgotch Jr., who taught at UNC Charlotte from 1966-1993, established the award to recognize a student who demonstrates achievement and notable work in the humanitarian field.
Rice began his humanitarian efforts following his sophomore year, when he took a mission trip to Haiti. His activities with UNC Charlotte’s Venture outdoor recreational program prepared him for rustic outdoor experiences, and, in Haiti, he found even greater challenges, doing “grunt labor” to help poverty-stricken people with physical needs.
Later, Rice spent summers counseling children at camps and traveled to Mexico and Montana on missions with the United Christian Fellowship. In Montana, he worked with the Blackfeet tribe of Native Americans and in Mexico on HIV prevention in community clinics. He assisted with another project in Mexico to improve medical and dental care for those in need.
“Dalen is the gold standard of an inspiring young public servant,” said Ryan Lewis, operations manager with AmeriCorp NCCC (National Civilian Community Corps), in nominating Rice. He worked with Rice throughout the Southeast tutoring students, building homes and helping with disaster relief. “I came to rely on Dalen’s steady presence and work ethic.” Another nominator praised Rice for his “matchless leadership skills,” which he honed through years of volunteer service.
“We experienced the suffering and hardship that exists in our society, on domestic soil (and beyond),” said Rice. “And then we put shovels to the ground and hammers to nails to try to make things right.”
Members of the Jamgotch Award selection committee were Anita Blowers, criminal justice and criminology; Lawrence Calhoun, psychology; Gary Kohut, management; Al Maisto, Honors College; Tyrel Moore, geography and earth science; and community member Barbara Jefferson.