Employee receives Leadership through Civic Engagement Award

Alfred State recently honored Melanie Ryan, coordinator of Student Disability Services, with the Leadership through Civic Engagement Award.

The award is presented annually by the College Council to acknowledge students, faculty, staff, and alumni who have led or initiated exemplary academic and/or co-curricular initiatives that demonstrate a commitment to engaging in the community — locally, nationally, or globally — through service, volunteerism, activism, politics, and much more.

In her 15 years of working at Alfred State, Ryan has been a part of numerous committees and initiatives that have bettered her department, the campus, and the community. She is a leader in the Scio Lions Club, an officer in the MS Walk, a former member of the college’s Sexual Assault Response Team, a current and former adviser to numerous clubs and organizations, and has been instrumental in creating both the RISE program and the college’s chapter of the SALUTE National Veteran's Honor Society. 

For her work with the Scio Lions Club, Ryan was named "Lion of the Year" this past year by her chapter. She was also named the ARC's Community Partner of the Year for her outstanding work with the RISE program, which has grown tremendously under her watch. Additionally, Ryan has also created more on-campus internship opportunities for Alfred State human services management students who may not have off-campus transportation.