Winner announced for John D. Welty Award for Excellence in Community Service

Fresno State student Kelsey Ferreira was selected to receive the 2024 John D. Welty Award for Excellence in Community Service. The award, which includes a $2,500 scholarship, is given each year to a student who exemplifies the commitment to service that Welty championed during his 22 years as president of Fresno State. 

“I am beyond honored to receive this award, and for the opportunity to serve my community,” Ferreira said. “I look forward to continuing to volunteer and explore new opportunities.”

A first-generation college student, Ferreira’s service journey dates back to middle school and high school when she began serving in her home town of Tulare. Her commitment to serving others has only grown at Fresno State, where she has completed over 1,300 hours of service. 

With a passion for service, Ferreira joined the Richter Center Student Leadership team, partnering with the Central California Blood Center to plan and implement on-campus blood drives. Through her planning the past three semesters, she has helped recruit over 180 student, faculty and staff ambassadors for the blood center. 

“With this program, we are able to reach more faculty and staff, informing them of the upcoming drives,” Ferreira said. “This leads to an increase in blood donors. Ultimately, we have the potential to save more lives when we all come together.” 

Since Ferreira has been serving in this capacity, donor numbers have increased by an average of 50% per drive. She strives to educate our campus community about the dire need for blood in the Valley and aims to foster community engagement and inspire a culture of giving.

Ferreira also has a passion for environmental and climate awareness and education. As a student in the Fresno State College Corps program for two years, she volunteered at the Fresno Chaffee Zoo where she was able to educate visitors on climate change and the impacts it has on animals. Ferreira also planned a number of climate action events as a member of the Fresno State Climate Solutions team that educates students and the community on the impacts of climate change.

Ferreira looks for ways to not only serve as a volunteer on campus, but seeks out ways to step up as a service leader. She is the current Richter Center Student Leadership club president and director of operations, a blood center ambassador and a previous Fresno State College Corps reflection leader.  

She has also served at Martin Park, Stone Soup Fresno, San Joaquin River Conservation and Trust and LUSO. She is on track to graduate in December 2025.

The John D. Welty Award for Excellence in Community Service is sponsored by Fresno State’s Community Service Scholarship Program, in memory of Marc and Marjorie Radin, who shared Welty’s dedication for engaging students in service and making the region a better place. The Welty Award is administered by the Jan and Bud Richter Center for Community Engagement and Service-Learning and the Career Development Center at Fresno State.

Ferreira, along with other service award honorees, will be recognized at the annual Spirit of Service Awards hosted by Fresno State President Dr. Saúl Jiménez-Sandoval, on May 1.

(Story by Taylan Parker, Richter Center)