Social Work Student Erin Huggard Receives George Nahodil Excellence in Peer Mentorship Award

Senior Social Work student Erin Huggard is the first winner of the George Nahodil Excellence in Peer Mentorship Award presented by the D.R.E.A.M. (Dreams Realized through Education Aspiration Model) Partnership. She was nominated by GMercyU’s Integrated Studies program.

“Being the first winner of this award was truly amazing! When I accepted this award, all I felt was the love and support from everyone around me,” shared Erin.

The award is designed to honor the advocacy work of George Nahodil, an original board member of D.R.E.A.M., and his belief in the mission. As the award winner, Erin was featured as a guest speaker at the Annual Living the DREAM Event hosted by D.R.E.A.M. Partnership.

In her speech, Erin described her experience as a Peer Mentor at GMercyU, and how this role has changed her time on campus. She also spoke highly of the Integrated Studies program and the supports GMercyU has in place for all students.

“My overall experience with being nominated and then winning was more than I could have expected. I can’t begin to thank everyone for all the love and support that they have given me throughout the weeks of nomination,” said Erin. “Being a Peer Mentor not only expanded my knowledge about working with students, but showed me how much I truly love with the students and this program.”