The Missouri Campus Compact recently named Wilma Calvert, assistant professor of nursing at UMSL, the 2012 Outstanding Community and Campus Collaboration Award recipient. (Photo by August Jennewein)

Wilma Calvert, assistant professor of nursing at the University of Missouri–St. Louis, has been recognized for her commitment to community partnerships.

At the recent Campus Compact Heartland Conference, the Missouri Campus Compact awarded Calvert the 2012 Outstanding Community and Campus Collaboration Award.

“I was completely surprised to receive the award!” Calvert said. “I am definitely honored.”

The award recognizes a sustained campus-community partnership that has positively impacted both the community and invigorated the learning experience for college and university students.

Calvert won the honor for her collaborative course work, which sees her students participate in “Destination: Health,” a community-wide, daylong health festival composed of health-related activities.

“I try to have a positive influence on the communities in which I live and work,” Calvert said. “I am a firm believer of community-focused activities and being actively involved in working with the community to help meet their needs.”

This is the second year UMSL has brought the award home. Last year, UMSL’s partnership with Beyond Housing was recognized. Students partner with the nonprofit, which provides support and services for low-income families living in the Normandy (Mo.) School District.

The Missouri Campus Compact is an organization of 36 college and university presidents established to strengthen civic engagement and service learning partnerships between schools and the communities they serve.