Justin White, ‘09, was awarded the Maryland Higher Education Commission 2009 Regina Lightfoot Student Service Award for his outstanding commitment and work with Loyola’s Center for Community Service and Justice (CCSJ).

White was selected for the statewide honor by the Maryland Higher Education Commission Student Advisory Council (SAC), which comprises student volunteer representatives from all Maryland colleges and universities.

During his time at Loyola, White participated in many community service programs, beginning with Student Orientation to Service (S.O.S.) during his freshman year. Later, he recruited 40 students to tutor four afternoons a week at Cristo Rey High School in East Baltimore. He also designed a tutor orientation, set up training sessions, arranged transportation and offered ongoing tutor support. In addition, he volunteered in food programs and transitional housing for people in Baltimore who are homeless. 

“Justin arrived at Loyola with an open heart and mind,” said Catherine “Missy” Gugerty, SSND, director of Loyola’s Center for Community Service and Justice. “He seized every opportunity to avail himself of experiences that would expose him to that which he had not previously experienced. Following his service, Justin took the time to reflect upon and critically think about all that he was experiencing. He was intent on learning from those experiences, and he did. His insights, understanding and compassion led him to be a unique, passionate advocate for those on the margins of our society, especially in Baltimore City. Across campus, he became recognized as a true leader and an inspiration to many. We are so proud to count him as an alumnae of the Center and Loyola, but even more so, as a true son of St. Ignatius.”

A native of Philadelphia, Pa., White graduated from Loyola with a degree in sociology. He is currently working for CCSJ and in mid-August will begin teaching at Cristo Rey High School, where he spent his last two years of college as a CCSJ service coordinator.