Kerry E. Schardien of Union, N.J., was honored the William J. Kramer '60 Humanitarian Award from Fairfield University's Alumni Association at its annual Student Awards Dinner.

Kerry was recognized for her extraordinary service to others both at Fairfield and in her home community. Starting at age of14, Kerry volunteered at the Center for Hope Hospice, assisting nurses and home health aids with the care of terminally ill patients.

Since 1994 she has been a camp counselor at Camp Fatima of New Jersey, an overnight camp experience for children with severe developmental disabilities. As a counselor she provided 24-hour care for a camper, meeting any special, physical and emotional needs. She also volunteered for adult weekends at the Camp for adults with developmental disabilities.

At Fairfield University, Kerry has been a Mission Volunteer to Duran, Ecuador, where she assisted in community services for leprosy patients and orphans and in Inez, Ky., where she worked with the Christian Appalachia project building a house for an underprivileged family. She has also been active with Hunger Clean-Up, Urban Plunge, the Adrienne Kirby Family Literacy Project and Prospect House Shelter.

In addition she was a Eucharistic Minister with Campus Ministry, a Freshman Retreat leader and a member of the Varsity Women's Crew.

A psychology major with a double minor in sociology and peace and justice studies, Kerry will be serving with the Jesuit Volunteer Corps during the next year. Then, inspired by her work with the Deirdre O'Brien Child Advocacy Center in Morristown, N.J., she plans on pursuing a master's degree in social work with the goal of working with abused children.

Posted On: 06-01-2001 09:06 AM

Volume: 33 Number: 245