2024 Bender of Twigs

Angela has a longstanding history of service at WSU and has been a true Bender of Twigs for students, faculty, staff, and the community. I have had the privilege of working with her for over 17 years in the Community Engagement Institute / IMPACT Center and know her to be caring, supportive and the epitome of Shocker PROUD!

A little over 9 years ago, I had asked Angela for some help on a project (of course, she said “Yes!”). Soon after, she asked if she could join the project full-time. She worked from a Program Specialist to being a Program Manager celebrating the 10th year of AmeriCorps VISTA and 5th year of AmeriCorps State programs, placing over 240 full- and part-time service members across the state with organizations serving persons experiencing income insecurity. She is a valued resource for new programs across the U.S. and has developed strong relationships as a result.

A community partner had this to say about Angela:
“Angela is a true rock star for her commitment to making an impact in our community. We have worked with Angela for years and found that she cares deeply about making a difference for people in poverty. Congratulations for celebrating 25 years.”
~ Kathleen Webb, Executive Director, Children First CEO Kansas Inc.

Angela cares deeply about her work teams and WSU as well. She has been an integral part of the 25th and 40th anniversary celebrations for CEI, in no small part due to her joy in recalling our organization’s history, people, partners and special moments. She volunteers for many opportunities to help CEI and WSU staff and has been a steady presence when we have organized community service events.

One of her team members says:
“Angela is such a steady and welcoming presence on our team. I was intimidated by her work history and knowledge when I first started at CEI, but she is so kind and patient in sharing that knowledge that she made me feel like a peer quickly. She is a gracious, open person. I’m grateful to have gotten to work with her here at CEI.”~ Aurora Myers, Program Specialist

Prior to her work with these programs, Angela was instrumental in resurrecting and promoting the support group services database, connecting people to support groups at times when they needed to know they weren’t alone in their experiences. Angela also spent over 10 years in the Co-Op/Internship office, helping students connect to internships in business and health professions in order to broaden their experiences and prepare for their chosen careers.

Angela says, “As I look back, it’s been a lot of helping, assisting and connecting people to resources, service and opportunities.” I couldn’t have said it better. Angela is a gem who is always there to help and will take extra steps to make sure people have the support and help they need while delivering with compassion and grace. Angela represents all that is amazing about Shocker Nation.

Congratulations, Angela! Your IMPACT and CEI teams are incredibly honored and proud of your tireless efforts to make your community and those in it better. Thank you for your service!