Timothy Steigenga, Ph.D., associate dean for community engagement at the Harriet L. Wilkes Honors College was selected as the 2021 Volunteer of the Year by Big Brothers and Big Sisters of Palm Beach and Martin Counties. Steigenga was nominated for his years of work organizing a school based mentoring program at Jupiter Elementary School. “My own daughters attended the dual language program at Jupiter Elementary and there is nothing more rewarding than seeing our Wilkes Honors College students mentoring and serving as role models for the young students there,” said Steigenga. The program is made possible through generous donations to the Wilkes Honors College Community Engagement Scholarship fund. Students who receive these scholarships intern for 180 hours with select local non-profit organizations, including in the mentoring program with Big Brothers Big Sisters. “I am truly honored but share this award fully with all the students, past and present, who have worked so hard to build and to keep this mentoring program running,” added Steigenga. The awards luncheon took place April 28 at the Bonefish Grill in Stuart.
