Zachary Ahrens Receives Leadership Award

2015 Jun 10

Buena Vista University (BVU) senior Zach Ahrens, an exercise science-human performance major from Carroll, received the Student Leadership Award from Iowa Campus Compact at their Engaged Campus Awards event held May 29 in Des Moines.

The award recognizes leadership on campus and in the community and a strong track record of supporting others in service and leading in the field of civic engagement and service-learning.

"In his various leadership roles, Zach has lead more than 80 students in alternative spring breaks and more than 800 students in service in his role as President of Student M.O.V.E. (Mobilizing Outreach and Volunteer Efforts). In this role he raised the level of awareness of service opportunities, lead his peers in development and training sessions, and was an advocate to administrators," said Dr. Ashley Farmer-Hanson, assistant dean for student life and director of civic engagement, who nominated Ahrens for the award.

Ahrens has served in multiple leadership roles on campus including: Civic Engagement Coordinator, Student MOVE President, Student MOVE Vice President of AWOL (Alternative Week of Offsite Learning) and a participant and site leader on service trips. He has also served as an Iowa College AmeriCorps Program member, an Iowa Campus Compact Summer VISTA and a BV Buddies mentor to students.

"Zach has gone above and beyond to ensure every BVU student knows and understands their duty to serve others with their talents and gifts," said Farmer-Hanson. "As a university, we are continually amazed of his humbleness and passion to serve others in any way that he can."