Assumption Student Recognized with NACA Leadership Award
The National Association for Campus Activities (NACA) recognized Mackenzie Drew ’22 with the Ken Bedini Student Leadership Award. According to NACA, the award was established to recognize the outstanding contributions of the region’s undergraduate student leaders who make a difference in their institutions.
As an Assumption student, Drew has been a contributing member to the University’s Orientation Program, Residential Life Staff, and the Campus Activities Board. Sara Swillo Muckian, the Director of Student Activities and Leadership Development, admired Drew for her “maturity as a student leader. She sees the bigger picture and understands how the roles she takes on within our community have an impact on others and the culture at Assumption. She can advocate for students on campus as well as share with students the views of the professional and administration.”
Drew oversaw the June 2021 Summer Virtual Orientation Program and in-person Hounds Days for the class of 2025.
“Mackenzie served on a university-wide strategic plan to look for ways to implement mission into our Orientation programs and thru her creativity and ability to relate to faculty, staff, and students, she was able to build excitement among the Orientation Team of 14 leaders as well as the whole incoming first-year class,” shared Swillo Muckian. “Even during challenging discussions around implementing new programs and events into Orientation, Mackenzie approached every challenge with an open mind and willingness to improve past events.”
“As someone who was extremely nervous to be going into the position, she was the person who comforted me and answered any of my endless questions,” said Kelly Knutelski ‘23, who recommended Drew for the award. “This year she holds the role of Head Resident Assistant, an advanced leadership position. Through this recent role, I’ve gotten to see a side of Mackenzie that is an expert at professionalism when it is needed and an outstanding multitasker that is still able to give one hundred percent into everything she does. She also cares for every individual resident by checking up on them and asking if she can help in any way.”
According to their website, the NACA Foundation provides educational programs and services for college and university students, professional staff and others who work in the field of student activities as well as empowers members to amplify the campus experience through inclusive learning, meaningful connections, and engaging entertainment that transforms college communities.