Chiesman Center for Democracy Announces Higher Education Civic Engagement Award Winners
This annual award honors a student team whose project demonstrates outstanding civic engagement, interdisciplinary collaboration and commitment to sustainability. The award is open to students across the South Dakota Board of Regents schools.
This year’s award was granted to a team of USD students. Recipients included:
- Rejoice Kunadu Adawuvi, undergraduate student in political science with a minor in international studies
- Simon Durr, undergraduate student in sustainability with a minor in earth sciences
- Irene Kamau, graduate student in sustainability
- Faith Nderitu, graduate student in sustainability
The award-winning project, titled “Upcycling Textiles for a Plastic-Free USD,” addresses sustainability challenges on campus by reimagining textile waste and promoting environmentally responsible practices within the university community.
“My experience working in Kenya's environmental sector gave me a firsthand view of how plastic waste can compromise local ecosystems,” said Nderitu. “Bringing that perspective to USD to develop community-led solutions and collaborating with other students has been highly rewarding. We are grateful to the Chiesman Center for Democracy for recognizing our team's efforts to promote civic engagement and sustainability.”
Kunadu echoed that perspective.
“Plastic pollution is a significant challenge in my home country, and I have observed the considerable efforts the government is making to address it. Observing the widespread use of plastic here in Vermillion gave me a deeper understanding of the issue,” said Kunadu. “Working with a team on this project has been highly inspiring, and it has helped me understand the link between government and environmental issues. I aspire to advocate for similar initiatives in Ghana in the future.”
The project also involved collaboration with the Environmental Club and Anna Moore, instructor in the Department of Sustainability & Environment.
“I’m proud of these students for dedicating time outside the classroom to a project that benefits our community,” said Moore. “I was especially impressed by how they adapted when their original idea didn’t work. Their flexibility and teamwork will serve them well on this project and beyond. This competition gave them a meaningful opportunity to learn how to create positive change, and it’s inspiring to see them recognize their ability to make a real difference.
Students were recognized for their achievements at the 2026 Chiesman Democracy Conference on April 9.
The Chiesman Center for Democracy encourages students and instructors to take a proactive approach in considering how their work can further support community and civic engagement in the coming year. For more details about next year’s award season, please visit the Chiesman Center for Democracy website.
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