High Point University senior Glenda Emanuel is being honored for her outstanding leadership by North Carolina Campus Engagement, a statewide network of colleges and universities that are committed to community engagement.

Emanuel earned the network’s Community Impact Student Award, which honors one student leader at each member school. Throughout her four years at HPU, she has served the community as a Bonner Leader, an HPU program that supports local nonprofit organizations. She also serves as the co-president of the Bonner Leader Program.

“Receiving the NCCE Community Impact Student Award means a lot to me, but not because of the recognition,” said Emanuel, a criminal justice major from Columbus, Ohio. “This isn’t an award that I can make about me, this an award for my community. Bonner Leaders are servant leaders who bridge High Point University with the Greater High Point area. I have the privilege of being a part of consistent service with community partners that not only allows for a progressive learning experience, but the ability to meet societal needs.”

Emanuel has also volunteered her time with D-UP, Inc., a youth organization dedicated to promoting physical activity, character development and academic excellence among children in Guilford County. At the organization, she works with youth as a mentor through support in academics, healthy lifestyles and character development. She has also helped organize large-scale events and functions to raise awareness for food insecurity and poverty in the community.

"It has been a joy the last four years watching Glenda’s commitment to the mission and goal of D-UP Inc.,” said Jakki Davis, co-founder and executive director of D-UP. “Her devotion and passion for seeing youth in our program and the community have good health, education and preparation for life furthers our efforts in youth thriving in life. Glenda displays empathy for each student and treats them as individuals understanding their barriers and behavior. This will be Glenda’s legacy, and I am convinced she will continue to be part of our community and the D-UP village.”

Kimberly Drye-Dancy, the director of the Bonner Leader Program, says she has seen Emanuel develop strong service leadership skills and lead many projects that have helped build the program.

“One of the reasons that Glenda was nominated is because of the strong sense of compassion shown for the students that she serves which is evident in her leadership at D-UP, Inc.,” says Drye-Dancy. “She also shows strong commitment to her role as co-president of the Bonner Leader Program for the 2022-2023 academic year. Glenda tirelessly continues to lead her executive team in a spirit of excellence and serve as a positive role model for all High Point University Bonner Leaders.”

Emanuel was honored in the fall at the Student Awards Ceremony for the NCCE.