Grinnell College Civic Engagement Leaders Receive Regional Recognition
Two members of the Grinnell College community have been recognized with prestigious civic engagement awards from Seed Coalition. The 2025 President’s and Engaged Campus Awards honor individuals and programs demonstrating exceptional commitment to civic and community engagement. This year, 84 awardees were selected from 28 colleges and universities across Iowa and Minnesota. Our Grinnell College award winners are:
Wiralba Pichardo ’25 – Recipient of the Presidents’ Student Leadership Award
Assistant Professor of Political Science, Andreas Jozwiak – Recipient of the Presidents’ Civic Engagement Leadership Award
The awards will be presented at a ceremony hosted at Macalester College on Friday, April 19, celebrating students, faculty, staff, and programs that have made meaningful contributions to their communities.
About the Awardees
Wiralba Pichardo ’25 – Presidents’ Student Leadership Award
A political science major with a concentration in education, Pichardo exemplifies student civic leadership at Grinnell College. Through the Service Leadership Work Study program, she has dedicated three years to supporting immigrant families in the Grinnell-Newburg School District, particularly those in the English Language Learner (ELL) program. She draws on her own identities and experiences to serve as a bridge between families and the school district, ensuring access to resources and fostering stronger connections.
Beyond her local impact, Wiralba has championed educational access nationwide. She served as a student promoter for Matriculate, helping to raise awareness of college access resources for high-achieving, low-income students. For the past three summers, she has taught at the Youth Development Organization (YDO) in Lawrence, Massachusetts, supporting youth through enriching educational experiences. Currently, she contributes her skills as a copywriter for the Massachusetts Department of Elementary and Secondary Education, advancing statewide efforts to support equitable education. Her dedication to educational equity and her ability to mobilize others make her a model of civic responsibility and leadership.
Andreas Jozwiak – President’s Civic Engagement Leadership Award
Assistant Professor of Political Science Andreas Jozwiak has significantly advanced Grinnell College’s civic mission by integrating community engagement into his teaching, research, and service. He has developed three community-engaged courses, including a housing policy class where students collaborate with local organizations to tackle pressing community challenges.
Beyond the classroom, Dr. Jozwiak has built long-term partnerships with local farmers, nonprofits, and government officials, ensuring that community engagement is both impactful and sustainable. He also plays a key role in supporting civic engagement at Grinnell College. His leadership and dedication to fostering a culture of engagement make him a deserving recipient of this award.
Recognizing Leadership in Civic Engagement
“In a time when community connections are more important than ever, these awardees are evidence of higher education's commitment to nurturing collaborative, responsive, and compassionate leadership,” said Seed Coalition Executive Director Rob Barron. “They prove that true learning isn't only about understanding problems—it’s about taking decisive steps to address them.”
Seed Coalition’s Presidents’ Awards recognize outstanding contributions to civic and community engagement, while the Engaged Campus Awards highlight impactful projects, partnerships, and programs.
About Seed Coalition
Seed Coalition strengthens the capacity of colleges and universities to fulfill the public purposes of higher education. By fostering reciprocal partnerships and supporting civic learning experiences, the coalition empowers students, faculty, and institutions to make a meaningful impact in their communities.
Grinnell College’s Commitment to Civic Engagement
Grinnell College has long been committed to civic engagement as a cornerstone of its mission. Through initiatives led by students, faculty, and staff, the College fosters a culture of service, leadership, and advocacy, ensuring that education extends beyond the classroom and into the community.