Jennifer Mazzo of East Norwich, N.Y., who graduated from Fairfield University on May 21, was honored last month at a dinner on campus for her work with Hunger Cleanup. She was one of four students selected for awards by the Alumni Association based on their leadership, community service, and commitment to the Jesuit ideal.

Jennifer became involved in the Hunger Cleanup Program, part of the National Student Campaign Against Hunger and Homelessness, during her freshman year. Her leadership skills led to her being named co-chair for the following year's Hunger Cleanup, making her the first sophomore ever to hold this position. She served as co-chair for three years,helping to raise the program to extraordinary levels of visibility and recognition on campus, volunteer participation and funds raised.

During her sophomore year she was the first student from Fairfield to receive the Gold Award from the National Student Campaign against Hunger and Homelessness. Since then, Fairfield University's Hunger Cleanup Program has continued to be recognized as the number-one program in the country. Last year's efforts alone raised $8,500 and involved more than 600 volunteers. This year the amount raised increased to $10,000.

Jerry Greenfield of Ben and Jerry's fame was on campus this spring and offered his congratulations when Jennifer and her committee were once again recognized by the national organization with a gold medal for their outstanding efforts on behalf of the poor.

Jennifer also took part in the Mission Volunteer program to Duran, Ecuador; served as a Eucharistic Minister and co-president of the Campus Ministry Council; was a sub-chair for Senior Week '99 and Orientation; and was a member of the Fairfield University Student Association Cabinet for two years. A Dean's List student, she is a member of Pi Sigma Alpha, a politics national honor society.

Jennifer plans to pursue a career in public relations law and continues to be a resource for people across the country who inquire about her involvement in Hunger Cleanup. She often uses a favorite quote that she has found to be true: "Follow the Jesuit motto of service to others, and through the service you change yourself."

Posted On: 06-21-2000 09:06 AM

Volume: 32 Number: 283