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The service community gathered on Thursday to honor one of its own and to remember a man who gave his life as a hero on Sept. 11. This year's Welles Remy Crowther Service Award was presented to Becky Camacho, A&S '07. On hand to present the award was the mother and sister of Welles, Alison and Paige Crowther.
"We love that Welles' story continues to resonate within so many people," said Alison Crowther. "I'm so impressed by the young people and the commitment they make to communities here and elsewhere."
The award was created in honor of Welles Remy Crowther, BC '99, who died in the South Tower of the World Trade Center on Sept. 11. Crowther, identified by his trademark red bandanna, led 18 people to safety in his three trips up and down the stairs of the World Trade Center.
"His life, his witness, and his story are a great example to how powerful service can be," said Dan Ponsetto, director of the Volunteer and Service Learning Center (VSLC). "Welles continues to live on in the generosity, the creativity, and the vision of the Crowther family."
The award allowed Camacho to direct $1,000 from the Welles Crowther Charitable Trust to an organization of her choice. Camacho chose the Batahola Volunteers, a non-profit organization founded by Laura Hopps, A&S '07, and Christine Rupport, LSOE '07, with help from Alison Ramirez, A&S '07, and Santiago Bunce, A&S '07, to help improve the lives of women and children in Nicaragua.
"The real meaning of Welles' story is how it's going to work inside you. This is what we see going on here. To recognize all of you and to recognize Becky who have done an exemplary job committing your lives to service, this is a beautiful thing," said Crowther. "We're happy to empower these young people to direct significant funds to an organization they are interested in."
Camacho has been involved in the Appalachia Volunteers, Dance Marathon, CURA, and Vagina Monologues. She studied abroad at La Casa de la Solidaridad in El Salvador and participated in the Pedro Arrupe program, going to Belize during her sophomore year and leading the trip to Guatemala this winter break.
Camacho's brother, Mike Camacho, A&S '09, and one of Camacho's three brothers in the audience, said that his sister has found enjoyment in the personal relationships found in service.
"It isn't just that she like to be around people, but she wants to help them, to love them, and to understand them," Camacho said. "She finds energy in service and is passionate about it."
"Becky is a beautiful person who does great acts of love both big and small," said friend and former roommate Shannon Keating, LSOE '07. "From trips to the hugs she gives, she lives her life with a great love for others."
Introducing her, Mike Frank, A&S '07, described how Camacho was able to make others feel comfortable and inspire them to love, even in diverse service settings.
"By their very nature our desires and hopes for social justice go beyond the individual; however, it is because of Becky's distinctive character that we are recognizing her for this award. Her willingness to be authentic and vulnerable liberates others from their own self-doubt, anxiety, and obstacles to love," said Frank.
During her remarks, Camacho stressed how important it was to see the big picture. "This award isn't really about me, nor is it about Welles," Camacho said.
"Service in my view involves not only the transformation of a person, but the transformation of an entire community. On the day that Welles gave his life, he did so for others. His love was so great that it impacted in a major way the lives of 18 people. This is the kind of love that I think exists in the BC community and that I strive to be a part of."
Camacho was chosen by a committee of nine of her peers. The event was coordinated by UGBC service issues directors Matt Hamilton, A&S '09, and Kelly Dalton, CSON '09, and sponsored by the UGBC and VSLC.
Kristen Campbell, A&S '07 was also chosen for special recognition. The Undergraduate Government of Boston College donated $500 to the Jamaica Mustard Seed program at her behest. She has been involved with the Campus School, Appalachia Volunteers, Boston Living Center, and the Jamaica Mustard Seed Trip.
"Kristen's every day life is her service," said Jim Conte, A&S '07, who nominated Kristen for the award. "There is something inside that drives her to constantly give back."
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