GSEP Foster Grandparent Program (FGP) Celebrates Golden Jubilee
The Graduate School of Education and Psychology‚ (GSEP) Foster Grandparent Program (FGP) will commemorate the program's 50th anniversary. This black-tie affair will be held at The Grand, Long Beach to celebrate 50 years of service, partnerships, and more.
Our keynote speaker for the evening is Dean Helen Williams and our emcee is Janora McDuffie. We will be awarding six awards to volunteers, community partners, and Pepperdine affiliates.
Pearl Williams Award for Dedication
The Pearl Williams Award for Dedication recognizes a volunteer who consistently demonstrates positivity and hope not only for their mentees but also for fellow volunteers, program staff, and station supervisors. Their contagious personality and care for others are exemplary and illuminate any environment or situation. As a companion care caller, this volunteer is dedicated to the well-being of others and diligent in going above and beyond for the Foster Grandparent Program. The recipient of the Pearl Williams Award for Dedication is determined by fellow volunteers, program staff, and community partners.
Earnestene WilsonCommunity Maven Award
The Earnestene Wilson Community Maven Award recognizes a volunteer who demonstrates a steadfast commitment to the program and the community through service, networking, and sharing knowledge for the benefit of those less fortunate. Program staff, station partners, community members, and other volunteers consider this volunteer an expert in all things uplifting to the people. This volunteer not only goes above and beyond through service as a Foster Grandparent but also is dedicated to other cause-driven endeavors with the primary focus on empowering people to be their best.
Peer Companion Award of Hope
The Peer Companion Award of Hope recognizes a volunteer who consistently demonstrates positivity and hope not only for their mentees but also for fellow volunteers, program staff, and station supervisors. Their contagious personality and care for others are exemplary and illuminate any environment or situation. The recipient of The Peer Companion Award of Hope is determined by fellow volunteers, program staff, and community partners.
Mary Quick Award for Collaboration and Leadership
The Mary Quick Award for Collaboration and Leadership recognizes a station partner who demonstrates a commitment to the Foster Grandparent Program through consistent collaboration and support, going above and beyond the call established by the contractual parameters of the partnership. This station partner is a pillar in the community and exemplifies leadership through advocacy, empowerment, and sponsorship of worthy causes that not only impact their agency, but also the Foster Grandparent Program and other community organizations. Their leadership style is both transformational and impactful to all whom they encounter.
Gilbert-Pinkett Champion Award
The Gilbert-Pinkett Champion Award recognizes a Pepperdine community member or team who champions for the Foster Grandparent Program consistently and diligently. This Pepperdine affiliate(s) works behind the scenes to ensure that the fiscal and/or administrative capacities of the program are both effective and sustainable. The Foster Grandparent Program staff relies upon this person or team for not only administrative support, but also their talent to exemplify purpose, service, and leadership.
Director's Choice Award for Leadership
The Director's Choice Award for Leadership recognizes a program ambassador who exemplifies the values of compassion, helping older adults and youth empowerment in their activity and service inside and outside of the Foster Grandparent Program. This leader demonstrates an impact that makes a positive difference for individuals and families and shares in the mission of strengthening our community through purpose, service, and leadership. This individual is a mentor, community liaison, and advocate for staff and volunteers. The Director's Choice Award for Leadership is carefully selected by the Executive Director of the Foster Grandparent Program.
Pepperdine University has served as a sponsor of the Foster Grandparent Program since 1972. This program is a staple of the Pepperdine family, originating at the first campus on 79th and Vermont. Through this long-standing commitment, Pepperdine facilitates and manages collaborations between community service agencies, schools, educators, and volunteers willing to serve those most in need.
Tickets must be purchased prior to attending the event. The last day to purchase tickets is July 1st. To purchase tickets, sponsorships, t-shirts, and program advertisements for the Golden Gala, click here.
To learn more about and give support to GSEP's Foster Grandparent Program, visit the program's website.