Creating Reciprocal Change: 7 People and Partners Making an Impact

J.U.M.P. (Juvenile Urban Multicultural Program) Nation

Award: Excellence in Community Engagement, Student Organization

J.U.M.P. is a student-run non-profit dedicated to helping kids overcome obstacles in pursuing higher education. Since its establishment in 1991 by Binghamton University students, J.U.M.P. has consistently offered tools and mentorship to support upcoming college students. Collaborations include the Binghamton Enrichment Program with the Equal Opportunities Program, uplifting incoming students and giving them opportunities to become further involved in community service. New initiatives, including collaborating with student organizations and a leadership conference, help further their goals of actualizing systemic change and never letting hurdles stop kids from dreaming big.

Brigitte Tisenchek

Award: Al Vos Excellence in Community Engagement Student

Dedicated and impactful, Brigitte’s expansive service toward local animal shelters has been notable. Last fall, she began volunteering at the Broome County Humane Society through the LEAD program. Since then, she has taken on a volunteer lead role, supporting dog walking, vaccine and pet food pantry clinics, training new volunteers, and serving as a panelist for pre-health students. She has also fostered an injured cat through its recovery. Her commitment extends beyond the Humane Society, as she shadows at two veterinary offices and participates in the Binghamton Pre-Vet Society. Across her roles as a student, volunteer, and mentor, Brigitte consistently demonstrates compassion and consideration, making a meaningful difference in the lives of both people and animals.

Naorah Rimkunas, Ph.D.

Award: Provost’s Award for Faculty Excellence in Community-Engaged Teaching

Through her time in the College of Community and Public Affairs, Dr. Rimkunas has developed a Community-Engaged Learning Course that directly connects Binghamton University students with the local community. Through sustained partnerships with K–12 schools throughout Broome County, she has created a model of community-engaged teaching in which students actively engage with the community and understand knowledge generation as a participatory, reciprocal, and reflective process, rather than simply being placed in a classroom without guidance. As a result, students have been able to translate theory from the classroom into meaningful practice. Dr. Rimkunas’ dedication to pedagogy has helped bridge the gap between volunteering and truly engaging with a community.

Kerry Whigham, Ph.D.

Award: Provost’s Award for Faculty Excellence in Community-Engaged Scholarship

An associate professor of Public Administration and co-director of the Genocide and Mass Atrocity Prevention (GMAP) program, Kerry Whigham’s research focuses on collective memorialization as a means of reducing the recurrence of mass atrocities. His work bridges scholarly research and policy, helping translate academic findings into practical approaches to atrocity prevention. Whigham has led national and international research projects, collaborating with a broad range of practitioners, organizations, and scholars. Through these partnerships, he has built a strong network of collaboration that has expanded GMAP’s resources, strengthened its connections to the field, and increased the program’s visibility. Whigham’s creativity, collaborative approach, and dedication to advancing atrocity prevention make him a deserving recipient of this award.

Carla-Ann François

Award: Excellence in Civic Engagement Student

Carla-Ann has pursued a wide range of service and professional opportunities, demonstrating a consistent commitment to civic engagement throughout her time at Binghamton University. Locally, she has served as a Community Immigration and Refugee Services intern with the American Civic Association and gained experience with the Broome County Public Defender’s Office. Beyond the local community, she interned with the Bronx District Attorney’s Office, broadening her understanding of public service and the legal system. On campus, Carla-Ann has contributed to the Haitian Student Association and the Thurgood Marshall Pre-Law Society. While balancing numerous commitments, she approaches each with passion, dedication, and resilience, consistently giving her full effort to the communities and organizations she serves.

Courtney Ignarri

Award: President's Award for Staff Excellence in Community Engagement

Courtney Ignarri exemplifies the spirit of service amongst Binghamton staff members. She has demonstrated a sustained commitment to her campus and community through a wide range of service and leadership roles, including two terms as chair of the Professional Staff Senate. She has also held leadership positions with United University Professionals (UUP) and Binghamton University Women, and contributed to university-wide efforts including Commencement and the Move Out Project. Beyond campus, Courtney has supported organizations including Rise NY and Tri-Cities Opera, where she helped expand community access to the arts.

CHOW (Program of the Broome County Council of Churches)

Award: Community Partner of the Year

CHOW (Program of the Broome County Council of Churches), or the Community Hunger Outreach Warehouse, has been a crucial resource for the Binghamton community for many years. Directed by Les Aylesworth, CHOW has a multitude of opportunities for students and staff to give back and to support their mission to lessen hunger and food insecurity.  Beyond their work in the broader community, they’re also known for their infrastructural support to the Binghamton University Food Pantry, which provides food free of charge to any student or community member who applies.

Binghamton proudly prioritizes community engagement and recognizes the individuals and groups that further this outlook. Upon receiving the Carnegie Classification for Community Engagement this past academic year, Binghamton remains dedicated to building meaningful partnerships, advancing civic learning, and creating positive impact in the community.