Rebeka Mercker
I have known Rebecka for three years--first through the Presidential Scholarship program when she interviewed for the prestigious scholarship during her senior year of high school. During her sophomore year on campus, she applied and was selected as a Student Ambassador.
Describe the nominee’s major contributions to the University of Southern Indiana, including significant impact.
Rebeka is a true role model for our entire campus community. Her daily actions and decisions are driven by her desire to serve others. She is one of the most thoughtful individuals I have ever met, always looking for ways to brighten others' day and make a positive impact. Rebeka is not only involved in many volunteer organizations, but serves in leadership roles in many of them. Her involvement is diverse and spans from touching the lives of future Screaming Eagles, elevating the USI community and participating in outreach to impact the surrounding community.
For which events or organizations does the nominee volunteer?
Student Ambassador Organization, USI Foundation Student Advisory Board (Vice Chair in 2018 and Chair for 2019), Timmy Global Health (Medical Professional Recruitment Chair in 2016 and 2017, Communications Chair in 2018, Vice President in 2018 and President for 2019). USI Student Housing Association (Director of Business Administration in 2017 and 2018, President for 2019), Honors Program volunteer initiatives
What examples can you give that depict the personal qualities of this nominee as an outstanding volunteer leader/mentor/student volunteer?
Rebeka has been intentional in her involvement--she seeks out ways to impact and help others. Most importantly, Rebeka is always one to go above and beyond the minimum requirements/expectations. In fact, Rebeka is one of the most active members of the Student Ambassador Organization--in the past academic year, she accumulated approximately 85 volunteer hours in this organization alone! She leads by example in her willingness to always help out regardless of the task and can quickly adapt in any given situation to create a positive experience. She finds a way to genuinely connect with each individual she meets.
If nominating a student volunteer, is the student’s volunteer time associated with a class or organization? If so, please explain.
Rebeka's volunteerism is broad spanning across multiple student organizations as noted above. As the advisor of Student Ambassadors, I can speak most confidently about her involvement in SAO, but also know that Rebeka is heavily involved in other organizations and is leaving a lasting impact on this campus.
Are there any additional details you think we should know regarding this nominee?
Rebeka is extremely humble and never expects recognition for her efforts, which is exactly what makes her so deserving of this award. She is selfless with her time and has a heart that knows no limits when it comes to helping others.
