TCNJ News
For Immediate Release
April 17, 2007
TCNJ Names 2007 Outstanding Student Leader of the Year
EWING, NJ … Neil Hartmann Jr., a junior communication studies major at The College of New Jersey was recently named the 2007 TCNJ Outstanding Student of the Year.
The Outstanding Student Leader of the Year Award is presented annually to a student who exceptionally demonstrates the leadership traits needed to transform student life at the College. The criteria for selection includes: the ability to motivate others, well developed communication skills, a demonstrated commitment to improving the College community, strong academic performance, leadership in student organizations and service to others.
This year had 52 amazing students nominated for this honor. Applicants were screened and five finalists were asked to interview. The selection committee had a very difficult task of narrowing it down to one winner.
Neil, a resident of Cresskill, NJ, is very devoted student at the College. He is currently the president of Bonner Community Scholars, a group on campus dedicated to community service and campus leadership. He is also the current volunteer coordinator for the Trenton-area Habitat for Humanity. Since arriving at TCNJ, he has completed a remarkable 1,500 hours of community service, including work for the Trenton Area Soup Kitchen (TASK) and Habitat for Humanity, volunteering to many different job sites in various parts of country.
Neil is part of a team of students who have helped create and supervise approximately 20 community-engaged learning days, involving more than 500 First Year students in meaningful one-day service-learning projects. He has been a member of the national Bonner Congress since the spring of 2005, helped shape and staff the 2007 national Bonner Congress, participated in numerous national conferences, delivered presentations for faculty and staff on his work, and written articles that will be published in two different academic journals.
Participation in Bonner Community Scholar program is highly selective, and includes community service (280 hours during each academic year) as well as curricular and co-curricular work that develops their skills as citizens and community leaders. The scholars receive up to a four-year tuition scholarship to support continued service and community leadership, renewable annually as long as they remain in good standing. Selection is based on exemplary previous community service achievements and expressed interest in making a significant commitment to develop community leadership skills while in college.
Neil was honored at the Student Life Award ceremony on Sunday, April 15.
