UF student, staffer, group recognized for volunteerism

May 8, 2014

GAINESVILLE, Fla. — The University of Florida was well represented among the recent winners of the E.T. York Work of Heart Awards.

The Alpha Phi Omega Tau Chapter, University of Florida Collegiate Group, was among the four winners in the organization category. Among the seven individual award winners, senior Chelsea Stewart won the University of Florida Collegiate Individual Award and staffer Myra Morgan won the Volunteer Board Member Award.

Out of 62 nominations, only 18 individuals, local organizations or businesses received awards in the 12 categories. 

Alpha Phi Omega members volunteered hundreds of hours with Keep Alachua County Beautiful, Harbor Chase Family, Alachua County Humane Society and the Salvation Army Homework Club. In addition to local work, the group raised money for Free the Children to adopt a village in Nicaragua.

Morgan, director of external relations for the Division of Student Affairs, has volunteered in Gainesville for 25 years, and is active with Altrusa International of Gainesville, Girls Place of Gainesville, UF Campaign for Charities, UF Center for Leadership and Service, United Way and Project Makeover with Alachua County Schools. She mentors at Delta Tau Delta fraternity and is on the boards for Peaceful Paths and The Girls Place.

Stewart, a health education and behavior major, volunteered to help students with intellectual disabilities and Special Olympic athletes. She trained, supervised and coordinated 160 volunteers. Dedicating approximately 15 hours per week, she volunteered more than 1,000 hours last year.

Dr. E.T. York is the namesake of the E.T. York Work of Heart Awards and of the Haven Hospice E.T. York Care Center in Gainesville. In 1968, York was asked by President Nixon to serve on the newly formed board of directors of the National Center for Volunteer Action. He then spearheaded the formation of the Volunteer Action Center in Alachua County and became the first board president. Since 1971 the Work of Heart Awards has honored the volunteers in Alachua County and their impact.