Stefen Savoy has been recognized for his commitment to academics, athletics, and community.
The third-year runner from Moncton, NB, is the first track and field athlete at the university to receive the Atlantic University Sport Student Athlete Community Service Award.
Savoy, who is studying Human Rights and Sociology at St. Thomas, said it's an honour to be recognized with the award.
"The track runners at some of the other schools are super involved, so it was an honour to even be considered in the same pool as them, let alone to win."
The award recognizes student-athletes who compete in the AUS conference, maintain a high grade point average, and are actively involved in the community a fitting description for Savoy.
Savoy's a Dean's List student, a member of the Moot Court team, a Residence Advisor, and a campus tour guide. He's a member of the Atlantic Human Rights Centre board, the Terry Fox Run Planning Committee, and the STU Student's Union. He's also fundraised for World Reality Education, Shinerama, and the Heart and Stroke Foundation, and was an active volunteer in the university's Get Out The Vote campaign.
Savoy said the opportunity to get involved was one of the reasons he chose St. Thomas.
"STU is a small university with lots of opportunities to get involved. As a result, I was confident if I came here I would have the chance to maintain my many interests, like running, volunteering, and taking on leadership roles, while still having the time to seriously commit to my studies," he said.
"I definitely don't think I would have been able to do all the things I've done if I was anywhere else."
Savoy said the award serves as a reminder that he can make a difference.
"Community service can sometimes feel a little thankless. It's a lot of long hours, usually with little recognition, and sometimes with very slow progress," he said.
"This award is a reminder that all the little things you do can add up and that this accumulation can have an impact. In this sense, the award is very encouraging. It's motivation."
Although Savoy is the first track and field athlete to receive the award, he's the third student athlete at St. Thomas to be recognized. Kyla Tanner (Cross Country, 2012), Hannah Davies (Rugby, 2012) and Kayla Blackmore (Hockey 2011-12, 2012-13) are all past recipients of the AUS Student Athlete Community Service award.
