Caren S. Aveldanez

Each year the William L. Monroe Sr. award is presented to two students who exhibit qualities that Mr. Monroe valued and that were exemplified by his mentors, Dr. John G. Truitt, a local pastor, and W.A. Harper, who was in his 6th year as Elon’s president when Mr. Monroe came here as a student in 1917.  Those values include a friendly attitude, good citizenship, personal growth, and the desire to help others.  This award was started in 1950, thirty-two years after Mr. Monroe left Elon, and this is the 66th pair of students recognized for these qualities.  I have no doubt that Mr. Monroe would be most pleased with this year’s recipients.

Caren Aveldanez is a public health studies major with minors in German Studies, International and Global Studies, and Poverty and Social Justice Studies.  During her time at Elon she has been a executive intern in the president’s office and works in the office of the Vice President for Student Life.  Caren has excelled in her academic work across a wide range of courses including several with service learning components and courses in German language study.  She is president of the Latino-Hispanic Union Club, leading the group and facilitating across organization collaborations.  This past fall, Caren volunteered at the Dream Center in Burlington, which is an after school program for high school students.  As a result of that work, she developed and lead a Burst the Bubble course in Winter term that allowed Elon students to work with teenage female students at the Dream Center to help strengthen their confidence and self-respect.  As one faculty member notes, Caren isn’t afraid to put in the effort required to succeed.  For example, she has exhibited considerable persistence and strong work ethic to master the German language.  As her recommender notes, Caren is mature and self-confident and speaks out for people and the fairness of actions for everyone.

Congratulations Caren on an award well deserved.