Amy Rhoades, MSW 2019

Chico State offers a prestigious designation to one deserving student each academic year. This award is given to the individual that best demonstrates excellence in academic endeavors, community service, leadership, and involvement in extracurricular activities. Every academic college nominates students, and this year, our very own student Amy Rhoades was honored with the award.

Amy is a first-generation college student who has overcome many obstacles in her journey to success. She is motivated to promote and improve the ‘college-going’ culture at the continuation school that she attended in Red Bluff. Amy is mindful of her roots, where she came from, and challenges she conquered. She focuses on working with at-risk youth to offer hope, similar to what her mentors did for her. It is the ultimate ‘paying it forward’ scenario.

Amy works tirelessly, both on campus in the Office of Civic Engagement and in completing an internship at the 6th Street Center for Homeless Youth. Nominating faculty member Dr. Susan Roll wrote, “Witnessing Amy balance all of her competing responsibilities is impressive. She works well with her classmates and is deeply respected; she is willing to take on responsibility for the good of the group; she is someone who can be relied on and has a strong moral compass. I appreciate Amy as someone who wants to work on the ground with young people and yet has a keen eye for inequities and issues of social justice.” She is continuing her studies in the Master of Social Work program.

The University honored Amy as the Chico State Outstanding Student Leader 2018 at an award ceremony earlier this year. In addition to the award, she was also presented with the OutstandingStudent Service Award 2018 and Outstanding Student Leader Undergraduate Education Award 2018. Amy humbly and gracefully accepted these awards as her family looked on in support and pride. The photo truly speaks a thousand words as it shows Amy overcome with emotion on her way to receive the award.