2023 Summer Internship Leadership Awards Announced

The Gary Gilot Civil Service Award is named in honor of CCI Internship co-founder Gary Gilot. Awardees exemplify Gary's principles of a heart for civil service, servant leadership mindset, and doing things "with" and not "to" or "for" the community. This years awardees are Jaida Beasley (South Bend), Jeanie Benedict (South Bend) and Delia Izaguirre (Elkhart).

Jaida Beasley (left) is an incoming Sophomore at the University of Notre Dame studying Physics. She was part of the 2023 CCI Internship Program and served on the Incubator Farms team who worked to improve healthy food access by determining potential locations for an Incubator Farm within St Joseph County.

Jeanie Benedict (right) is an incoming Junior at the University of Notre Dame studying Business Analytics. She was part of the 2023 CCI Internship Program and served on the Near Northwest Neighborhood Leland Park team to design and implement a park plan with the City of South Bend and the NNN association.

Delia Izaguirre (bottom right) is an incoming Junior at Elkhart High School. She was a part of the Thor Project team which worked to find alternative sustainable RV materials that are eco-friendly, durabile, cost-effective and safe.

The annual Bud Ahearn Leadership Award is named in honor of the late Joseph "Bud" Ahearn, distinguished Notre Dame Alumnus and supporter of the CCI Internship Program. Awardees exemplify Bud's principles of leadership, selflessness and service to others, and commitment to fostering meaningful relationships. This years awardee is Mia McDermott.

Mia McDermott (left) is an incoming Senior at the University of Notre Dame studying Chemical Engineering.

She was also a part of the Thor Project team which worked to

find alternative sustainable RV materials.

To celebrate the new partnership with the Center for Civic Innovation, This year the Elkhart Catalyst established a new award, The Ivan Torres Excellence award. Awardees share Ivan's passion for learning, a high level of professionalism, effective communication, serve as a positive role model in the workplace and in the community and excellence in all things. This year's awardee is Enzo Gurgel.

Enzo Gurgel (bottom right) is an incoming Senior at Elkhart High School. He was a part of the Tolson Center Project team which worked to assist with the coordination of the opening of the new 2023 Tolson Center.