Deirdre T. Brogan '02 Wins Cathy Donahue Award

In recognition of her outstanding community service to the city of Worcester, Deirdre Brogan '02 was recently awarded The Cathy Donahue Youth Leadership Award, an honor established "to pay tribute to a young adult in Worcester who has demonstrated exemplary leadership and commitment to serving others through voluntary involvement in a community organization." The award is given each year in memory of the late Cathy Donahue, a young woman who dedicated her time and talent to many volunteer organizations in Worcester County.

Chosen by a committee based on her application and interview, Deirdre received $1000 that will go to her volunteer organization, Student Programs for Urban Development (SPUD), and a crystal award for her to keep. She also participated in the annual Worcester County St. Patrick's Parade on March 10.

Deirdre was nominated for the award by Marybeth Kearns-Barrett, associate chaplain and director of service and social justice programs at Holy Cross. As co-chair of SPUD, Deirdre stands out among her peers with her ability to foster a strong spirit of community service.

The largest organization at the College, SPUD serves as the umbrella to volunteer programs at over 30 sites throughout Worcester. Programs include service to the elderly, prisoners, refugees, cancer patients and the homeless.

Deirdre first became involved with SPUD her sophomore year, when she volunteered with the Friendly House after-school program. Her time at Friendly House made a deep, lasting impression on her. "It changed my perspective on life; I was moved by the diversity of the city - not only ethnic and racial, but economic. Some of these families couldn't even afford the minimal application fee to participate in the program." After her experience at the Friendly House, Deirdre knew that she wanted to devote her time to community service.

Along with fellow CO-Chair Justin Holmes '02, Deirdre coordinates all the SPUD programs and serves as a peer leader for SPUD's executive board members, program directors, assistant directors and over 350 student volunteers. Some of her impressive accomplishments include rewriting the SPUD Constitution, growing its numerous outreach programs and establishing a new "time-out" initiative for SPUD volunteers to reflect on their experiences.

In her capacity as CO-chair, Deirdre now gets to visit most of the sites. "It's inspiring to see fellow Holy Cross students working at the different volunteer sites. They have all found their niche - and the expressions on the faces of the people they are helping makes me realize all the hard work is worthwhile."

In addition, Deirdre has played an integral role in the formation of many new SPUD programs as well as special events. Under Deirdre's guidance, SPUD has also added a new position to its executive board - a student who acts as a liaison to multicultural groups on campus to further integrate Spud's mission with that of Holy Cross.

"Through SPUD I have been able to experience first-hand the intersection between service, education and faith that a Jesuit education advocates. I can't imagine a college experience without these three elements to tie it all together."

As to the Cathy Donahue Award, Deirdre is both humbled and thankful. "I'm very honored that I was even considered for this award that commemorates such a remarkable young woman's life of service." And she is grateful for the opportunity it has given her to explore the potential for Holy Cross students to impact the city and its residents. She plans to use the $1000 awarded to SPUD to help fund supplies and activities and especially hopes to be able to expand its service work by starting new volunteer programs in the city.

Originally from Brooklyn, N.Y., Deirdre is a double major in psychology and sociology. After graduation, she hopes to attend graduate school for an advanced degree in psychology. "Holy Cross and SPUD have most definitely influenced my future plans to continue to expand my life into one of service, education and faith." Deirdre plans to become a counselor for at-risk youth.