This award is given to those who exemplify leadership, compassion, and service to the community. Today, I have the honor of recognizing DaNae Peterson for her exceptional contributions to James Madison University and the surrounding community.
We are not the only ones who recognize DaNae's remarkable qualities. She has been nominated for this award by multiple individuals, including the Director of the Center for Multicultural Student Services, the Vice President of the Lambda Iota Chapter of Sigma Gamma Rho Sorority, Inc. and two Associate Vice Presidents in Student Affairs at JMU. They have all attested to her leadership, passion, and commitment to serving others.
DaNae's extensive involvement at JMU began during her undergraduate years, where she served as an executive board member of the Lambda Iota chapter of Sigma Gamma Rho Sorority, Inc. The sorority's mission is to enhance the quality of life within the community, and DaNae embodies this mission in everything she does. She has continued her involvement with the sorority as an alumni graduate advisor, providing leadership and guidance to student members.
But DaNae's service extends beyond her involvement with Sigma Gamma Rho Sorority Inc. She has held key positions in several community organizations, including leading communications and marketing teams, hosting small groups for college students, and participating in family focus groups. She has also been very active in the local faith community, sharing her musical and vocal gifts and talents.
What truly sets DaNae apart, however, is her ability to bring together diverse groups of people to collaborate and brainstorm from multiple perspectives. Her calm and consistent leadership style motivates others to spring into action, and her strategic approach ensures that the organizations she serves will continue to thrive long after she has moved on.
Despite being a full-time employee, wife, mother, and pursuing her Master's degree, DaNae still manages to balance both the academic and social components of her career at JMU. Her peers and colleagues have nothing but respect and admiration for her, and she serves as a role model to all who know her.
In the vital work of Student Affairs at JMU, DaNae has been a centrifugal force for building community. She has excelled in her job duties and has given every ounce of surplus capacity to making JMU a better place to work and learn. Through her involvement with the Social Justice and Inclusion Council and the Student Affairs Professionals group, she has made JMU more welcoming, more whole, and more just.
DaNae is truly an inspiration to us all, and it is my great honor to present her with the All Together One Award. Her spirit of service, her leadership, and her passion for making a difference in this world make her a deserving recipient of this prestigious award. Congratulations, DaNae!