SUNY Empire State College is pleased to announce that the first winner of the Bluebird Award for Volunteerism, Community Building, and Leadership is student Paul Dungey of Auburn, NY.

Paul has been an active volunteer and community leader for decades. Paul’s church, Westminster Presbyterian of Auburn, is committed to social justice for all, regardless of race, socio-economic status, (dis)ability, age, sexuality, or gender identity, and Paul’s volunteerism, community building, and leadership follow the same values of social justice and inclusion.

Paul has been an active volunteer of Meals on Wheels, a Boy Scout leader, an elder in his church, and for the last 20 years has gone into Auburn Correctional Facility to lead weekly religion and support groups for inmates there. Paul traveled to New Orleans and Mississippi after Hurricane Katrina to lead and participate with a group of volunteers who worked in the recovery and rebuilding efforts there, and he has returned many times to continue the work over the years. Paul also travelled to New York City, and many other towns in New York state, after Hurricane Irene and Superstorm Sandy to volunteer in the recovery and rebuilding efforts.

Most recently, Paul was instrumental in establishing a youth LGTBQ support program for the City of Auburn and advocacy that led to creation of a group that provides housing for those at risk of homelessness.

Paul has been active helping his community during the COVID-19 pandemic, delivering meals to the elderly and creating a safe environment in his church.

Paul was nominated by his mentor at SUNY Empire State College, Heidi Nightingale, and his pastor, Patrick Heery. Paul’s spirit of service and his desire to help and build communities is an inspiration to us all, and he exemplifies the spirit of volunteerism and community to which we can all aspire. His mentor, Heidi Nightingale said, “He embodies the spirit of SUNY Empire State College in every way.”

The Student Affairs Committee at SUNY Empire State College received 11 nominations for the Bluebird Award, and we thank them all for their exemplary and inspiring service and leadership.