Karen Campbell Severin CSOM '80
In The 21 Indispensable Qualities of a Leader: Becoming the Person Others Will Want to Follow, author John Maxwell states
the first mark of servant hood is the ability to put others ahead of yourself and personal desires. It is more than being willing to put your agenda on hold. It means intentionally being aware of your people’s needs, availability to help them, and able to accept their desires as important.
The above statement personified the late Karen Campbell Severin ’80. As an undergraduate in the Carroll School of Management, and later as an alumna, Karen gave unselfishly of her time to make a difference for others. Nowhere was that clearer than in the many roles she served: Board of Directors for the Boston College Alumni Association; BC Alumni Association 5-Year Strategic Planning Committee; Chair of the AHANA Chapter of the BC Alumni Association. Outside of Boston College, Karen was a member of the Board of Directors for the Urban League of Rochester and was active in the Greater Boston YMCA.
As Chair of the AHANA Chapter of the BC Alumni Association, Karen not only met with fellow alumni, she also met with university administrators to advocate for the well-being of AHANA undergraduates. Karen’s efforts as a member of the Alumni Association mirrored her commitment and the contributions she made as an undergraduate at Boston College: she faithfully served as a servant leader in organizations such as the Black Student Forum, the NAACP and the Voices of Imani.
Premier among Karen’s qualities was her capacity to bring joy to others. Those who knew her attest that her warm smile and ability to listen and empathize lightened up difficult situations. The Office of AHANA Student Programs and the entire AHANA community have lost one of its strongest champions: our friend Karen Campbell Severin. Though no longer with us, Karen’s legacy lives on through an annual book award that will be given in her name. (Dr. Donald Brown)
Karen Campbell Severin Book Award
Each fall and spring semester, the Karen Campbell Severin Book Award of $250 will be given to two undergraduate students who best exemplify Karen's legacy of giving unselfishly to the community. Applications will be reviewed by a committee overseen by the Office of AHANA Student Programs.
In order to apply for the Book Award, students must demonstrate financial need and submit the following:
- Essay (2 to 3 pages, double-spaced)
Applicants should highlight and articulate their experience in community service and volunteerism, e.g., their roles, responsibilities, challenges, successes, and rewards.
- Statement of Financial Need
Preference is given to applicants with demonstrated financial need. Please explain your financial situation.
- Resume
Please include your updated resume.
- List of Itemized Expenditures
Applicants must itemize their anticipated book expenses, e.g., name and cost of the books, corresponding course numbers and instructor names.
The deadline to submit the application for this upcoming semester is Wednesday, August 26, 2009. All application materials must be emailed to the Office of AHANA Student Programs at oasp@bc.edu by the prescribed deadline. Award recipients will be notified by August 28, 2009.
Fall 2009
- Susan Choy (CSOM 2011)
- Sofia Mohammed (A&S 2011)
Spring 2009
- Eneida Miranda (A&S 2009)
- Angela Vastey (A&S 2011)
Fall 2008
- Perusi Namulwa (A&S 2009)
- Su-In Park (A&S 2009)
Spring 2008
- Amanda Buescher (A&S 2008)
- Irene Jeon (A&S 2009)
Fall 2007
- Ashley Galvez (A&S 2010)
- Alice Yuan (Nursing 2009)
Spring 2007
- Rose Chou (A&S 2007)
- Kevin Lee Rubottom (A&S 2007)
Fall 2006
- John Manuel Marti (A&S 2008)
- Morgan Wilson (A&S 2007)
Spring 2006
- Cynthia Loesch (A&S 2007)
- Lauren Tran (CSOM 2007)
Fall 2005
- Matthew Caldwell (CSOM 2009)
- Kuong Ly (A&S 2008)
For more information, please contact:
Karen Campbell Severin Book Award Committee
c/o Office of AHANA Student Programs (OASP)
Sister Thea Bowman AHANA Center
Boston College
72 College Road
Chestnut Hill, MA 02467
Telephone: 617-552-3358
Fax: 617-552-4313
Email: oasp@bc.edu
