Providence, R.I.--Dr. Steven A. Sears, dean of residence life, will receive The Reverend Philip A. Smith, O.P. Award for his unwavering dedication and outstanding service to Providence College, on Thursday, April 30 during the "A Celebration of the Arts" program.
The celebration will showcase the College's commitment to the performing and visual arts. Proceeds will benefit the Department of Music, the Department of Art and Art History, and the Department of Theatre, Dance, and Film.
The night's events, which begin at 5:30 p.m., will feature a Mass, cocktail reception, musical and dance performances, and a showcase of current students' work. For tickets or more information, contact the Office of Institutional Advancement at 401-865-2804.
The Reverend Philip A. Smith, O.P. Award was established in 2002 by Paul and Michele Hoffman '02P & '06P, then co-chairs of the Parents for Providence Association. It is named in honor of the late Father Smith, who served as the College's 11th president from 1994-2005.
Individuals who receive the honor are those whose contributions have made a significant impact in furthering the mission of PC. Alumni, parents, students, friends of the College, faculty, and staff members are eligible. This year, the College received 39 nominations from 61 constituents.
In designating Sears for this honor, the selection committee of faculty, staff, and alumni noted his service as a role model, demonstrating the College's mission and values in his daily responsibilities; his leadership of unique and significant projects that have had substantial impact on the College; his continuous service above and beyond the scope of his position within the campus community; and his participation as a responsible and productive citizen in our local community.
Extensive list of accomplishments
Sears began working at the College in 1998 as assistant director for housing and discipline in the Office of Residence Life, before being named associate dean for housing, student behavior, and training in 2001.
He was named dean of residence life in 2005. As dean, he oversees all aspects of on-campus residential living including housing selection, student programming, crisis management, safety and security, student health and wellness, and staff training and development. He provides support for areas such as student retention, diversity, student conduct, academic affairs, spiritual development, and personal counseling.
Sears has championed a multitude of student-centered, campus-wide initiatives including Project SAVE (Sexual Assault Violence Education) Week, Random Acts of Kindness Week, Alcohol Awareness Week, and Wellness Education Week. He continues to serve on various committees and task forces that help shape the culture of the College within the context of the College's mission.
In addition, Sears and his residence life team have collected and donated more than $30,000 for several charitable organizations, including, Adopt-a-Family, Sojourner House, the American Cancer Society, Hasbro Children's Hospital, and the Rhode Island Community Food Bank.
Recently, Sears received the Rev. John McMahon Award from the PC Student Congress for his outstanding service to the congress and the College community.
Sears received his bachelor's degree in social science from Roger Williams University in 1995 and his master of business administration degree from Salve Regina University in 1998. He earned his doctorate in education from Nova Southeastern University in 2005.
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