Ancel Robinson, Eastern Florida State College

Ancel Robinson embodies the highest principles of the Newman Civic Fellowship Award and is an inspiration to all who know him. Ancel, 42, was laid off from his job in 2010 and returned to college where he is scheduled to graduate in December 2015 with a Bachelor of Applied Science Degree in Organizational Management. A first generation college student, he wants to not only improve his life but serve as an example to his children and grandchildren. Ancel is extremely bright and articulate, and possesses exceptional leadership qualities that he has shown through his work at the college and in the community. He is the Student Government Association president for the Melbourne campus, representing more than 5,000 students and overseeing 17 clubs. He has been the cornerstone of Phi Theta Kappa and the Environmental Club, where he has expanded student learning and research opportunities and created community partnerships. He has more than 1,000 hours of community service and will graduate as a prestigious Citizen Scholar, reflecting his commitment to the broader world in which he lives. Ancel is truly a leader of the future.
-Dr. James H. Richey, President, Eastern Florida State College

My involvement with service-learning started as a requirement for the fifth credit option in my Essentials to Biology Class. I chose to do my required hours at the greenhouse and become a member of the campus environmental club. From that class, I continued to volunteer through the club and inform other students and the community about sustainable living. My passion is to be involved and inspire those that I meet and interact with. I am a non-traditional student, and I feel that my strong character attributes and life experiences are an asset to my fellow EFSC students and the community. The diverse strategies of engagement are to teach sustainable living to students and communities alike. To do so, we go out and build or repair garden beds and/or alternative gardening mediums for schools, churches and community organizations. We provide several types of seeds or seedlings, soil and materials to the consumer to help with the costs of setting up a garden. In addition, we provide them with the knowledge needed for continued production of food from their garden for the future. By doing all of this, I am promoting sustainable living as a lifestyle choice.
-Ancel Robinson