2004 Young Alumni Award

David A. Borgealt ’94

David Borgealt is a St. Norbert College graduate who continues to devote his life and work to helping others.

Currently the Assistant Dean for Community Service Programs, as well as Diversity and Social Justice Instructor at Marquette University, David’s dedication to his life's work was stimulated and formed as a psychology major at St. Norbert College, when he was introduced to “incredible role models who give of themselves for others in need, and take risks and make sacrifices for the common good.” Father John Bostwick, Linda Clay, Carol Cortez, Howard Ebert, Stuart Korshavn and Judy Turba provided “a strong education with an emphasis on values and caring for others ... and nourished my desire and ability to encourage others in service and social justice initiatives.”

At SNC, David was involved in PEER Educators, Campus Ministry (including being a Retreat Leader) and ADMAR; volunteered on three Chicago Service trips tutoring inner city kids; was an Orientation Assistant and a Resident Assistant; served an internship at the Green Bay Crisis Center; was a Psychology Teaching Assistant; and was President of Psi Chi, the Psychology National Honor Society. All of these varied experiences strengthened his resolve to “help individuals work through issues and concerns that keep them from living fully and reaching their potential.”

His professional experiences echo his strong volunteer/community service ethic. David has worked as Assistant Director and Internship Coordinator in Lawrence University’s Career Center, as Assistant Dean for New Student Programs at Marquette University and as Area Director for the Midwest Jesuit Volunteer Corps.

His present volunteer service includes being a counselor for Milwaukee's BESTD HIV/AIDS Clinic, chairing the advisory board for the Campus Kitchen Project at Marquette, and serving on the planning team for Milwaukee’s West End Community Development Partnership.

David’s post-graduate service includes participating in an ACPA Urban Immersion experience related to homelessness in Baltimore; being a pre-test educator for the AIDS Resource Center in Appleton; being a team leader for Young Neighbors in Action in Appleton; leading Appleton-area high school students on a service trip to New Orleans’ inner city; participating in a social justice/homelessness trip to Washington, D.C., where he served in homeless shelters and pantries; and raising funds and recruiting volunteers to build a playground for a homeless shelter in Appleton.

For his work and academic achievements at SNC, David was recognized when he was the recipient of the Psychology Department’s William James Award; while at the University of Iowa, he received the College of Education’s Outstanding Masters Student Award.

After all this, what’s ahead? Possibly pursue a doctorate; but for now, continually discern “how my talents can best be used for the common good.” There's nothing “common” about this Young Alumni Award recipient!