Former GU Alumna recieves presitigous Award of Service at the White House

By: Angie Funnell     

      Former Gonzaga alumna of ’06, Meagan (Brncick) Terry recently was awarded The National Arts and Humanities Youth Program Award by the White House last Wednesday. Meagan pursued a Bachelor of the Arts in Public Relations and minor in sociology, as well as participated in the Gonzaga-In-Florence program for a year. 

    
      Meagan began her life-long embarkment of service in her undergrad years at Gonzaga through CCASL (Center for Community Action and Service Learning). Meagan was a mentor with the Shaw Connections Mentoring Program for two years, then became the Student Coordinator of the Program. Meagan found community and fellowship with the myriad of other Gonzaga students who participated in the mentoring program. The program is fostered on creating an environment for the kids to feel amazing and loved in the several hours spent with the mentors.

     Meagan explains, “The work that we do, on a personal side is almost selfish, because its so rewarding- beyond the paycheck. To be able to see a child's life change, be the first to go on and graduate from high school and and continue towards college is amazing.” Meagan spoke of the self-sacrifice you make...“Though the hours aren’t typical, to be able to know that you are making a difference in one person’s life has a ripple effect on everyone that they encounter and influence.”

     Meagan now works with the non-profit, PlatteForum in downtown Denver, CO. PlatteForum is an artist residency organization which provides the space and nurture that artists need to create a new body of work while they are staying in town. Artists travel from all over the United States and abroad. The program is especially unique because Meagan and her team bring in youth from the streets who are denied the opportunity to the arts. The youth are encouraged to know that they can achieve in life, more than traditional environments allow them to. On the flip side, the artists are as well rewarded by the humbling experience of teaching the students how to inspire and produce creativity. 

      ArtLab, has an internship program for high school students. There are 15 students that work alongside professional local artists every Saturday, and are rewarded financially by the hour. This opportunity allows the students to enhance their critical thinking skills. They have the opportunity to write an original play/or score, to perform it, and create murals around the city. ArtLab and PlatterForum provides students the chance to express their individuality, in a nurturing encouraging and loving environment.

    PlatteForum was one of eleven programs to be awarded the National Arts and Humanities Award at the White House in Washington, DC. Meagan expressed gratitude for how Michele Obama welcomed them with open arms. The experience was humbling and life-changing, especially for the student Meagan brought along. This student had never bought a tie before, never stayed in a hotel before, and never been on a plane before. He experienced a lot of 'firsts,' but his spirit is tenacious and deserves opportunity for success.

     Meagan's advice for those entering into service is to learn from the life experiences working with people from different backgrounds... Get to know their story. Meagan is an embodiment of the Gonzaga and Jesuit, humanistic philosophy... 'to be the men and women for others"...