“A DePaul education is about producing socially engaged leaders,” said Howard Rosing, executive director of the Steans Center for Community-based Service Learning and Community Service Studies, whose purpose is to ensure that Vincentian goals of service are met. “Daniel is clearly an example of how our students take initiative to create change to improve the plight of underserved populations, rather than waiting around for others to do so.”

The Presidential Volunteer Service Award was created in 2003 to recognize the valuable contributions volunteers are making in the community and encourage more people to serve. The President's Council on Service and Civic Participation created the President’s Volunteer Service Award program to thank and honor Americans who, by their demonstrated commitment and example, inspire others to engage in volunteer service.

Clark received the gold-level award for his work with Global Brigades in Honduras, where he coordinated a group of volunteers for the last two years and worked tirelessly on projects to help improve health conditions in underserved communities.

The award is given to young adults between the ages of 15 to 25 years of age who meet the minimum requirement of completing 250 volunteer hours at home or abroad.

Clark said, “It’s comforting to know we live in a nation that acknowledges service to communities in need. Although the award may have my name on it, it represents an impact beyond my abilities. Hundreds of DePaul students have embraced our Vincentian values and made a choice to serve human needs in Honduras and Panama. We empower communities to fulfill their own needs while valuing their culture.”

For more information about his efforts, please visit: http://www.wix.com/depaulgb/depaul/main-site#!__main-site/programs/vstc35=public-health