“This award recognizes the best of what it means to be from Guam, an island community that seeks to raise up daughters and sons that walk a path of service in all aspects of their lives and do so with a passion and determination that inspires others,” said Kirk Johnson, professor of sociology.

The program faculty who selected Gordon described her as exemplifying impeccable character, strong leadership, and scholarship. “She is generous and goes out of her way to always serve others. She is hard-working and is the personification of what the discipline of sociology represents,” the award read.

“When I was presented this award, I was surprised that the faculty of the Sociology Program recognize all of these amazing qualities in me that sometimes I do not see in myself,” Gordon said. “… This award, and the Sociology Program, has truly helped me in fueling my passion for the environment and understanding the significance of educating the young people of our world to recognize that no matter what they do in life, they always have to remember the importance of selfless service.”

Gordon is majoring in sociology and minoring in women and gender studies and is an active UOG Sociology Club member. Her undergraduate experience has included participation in the Bali Field School as part of the “Community Development” sociology course and later presenting her research from Bali at an international conference in Tokyo.

Following her graduation this December, Gordon said she is considering graduate school “to not only continue educating myself about the world around me, but to contribute to the betterment of society and to give back to my community that has shaped me into the person I am today.”

The award is the first in what the Sociology Program faculty hope will be an annual award.