Sydney Stevens Wins Miami University's President's Distinguished Service Award

2017 Apr 26

Miami University student Sydney Stevens is one of 23 seniors to win this year's President's Distinguished Service Award.

The awards are presented each year to graduating seniors for their contributions to campus, the greater community and to higher education.

Sydney’s experience at Miami has been characterized by a dedication to education, specifically for persons with disabilities. She has been deeply involved with the Student Council for Exception Children, of which she served as co-president with another of today’s honorees. In this organization, Sydney has sought out opportunities to collaborate with other student organizations to multiply the overall impact of their efforts. Specifically, she worked with Autism Speaks and Miami’s chapter of Best Buddies to set up the first inclusive soccer match on campus, not only providing a meaningful experience for those who participated, but also raising broader awareness of the various forms of diversity and the importance of inclusivity in society. Sydney and Rachel worked together to bring a speaker to campus to discuss disability rights and the ways he spreads his message though writing children’s books, as well as to develop the Inclusive University Program.

The winners are also awarded the Senior Service Leadership Award and wear a special medallion at commencement.

Stevens, from Naperville, is earning a Bachelors of Science in Education, Certificate majoring in Special Education.

Miami University was 1 of only 5 universities in the nation to receive the Presidential Award in the 2012 President's Higher Education Community Service Honor Roll. In 2013, Miami received an honor roll placement with distinction. Miami has been named to The President's Higher Education Community Service Honor Roll every year since 2007.