Robinson-Appel Humanitarian Award
Cornell alumni Gerald Robinson '54, Margot Robinson '55, Robert Appel '53, and
Helen Appel '55 established the Robinson-Appel award to recognize and honor students
who have had significant involvement in community service by providing support
for their projects, which address a community's social needs or problems. Three
projects are selected, and each receives $1,500 to further a community service
project initiated and proposed by Cornell students. The focus of the project's
efforts may be the Cornell campus, the Ithaca community, or a location outside
of Tompkins County (but within the United States and its territories).
The Award is granted on the basis of:
- The candidate's proposal to use the award money for an innovative approach to
a social, governmental, or legal problem within a community.
- This effort should demonstrate the student's initiative and ability to translate
ideals into the practical result of meeting community needs. Proposals should
include a timeline of completion, plans for evaluation, and a budget outline.
All applications must be accompanied by supporting documentation and/or a letter
of nomination from agency personnel or a member of Cornell's faculty or staff.
- Previous community service. To better judge the capability of carrying out the
project, the committee needs an understanding of previous experience in outstanding
humanitarian service during the preceding twelve-month period. The service may
be in any field: for example, with on-campus organizations such as EARS, ALERT
or Into the Streets; with local organizations serving a particular clientele,
such as the disabled or elderly, people who are homeless, prisoners, or at-risk
youth; or with national efforts to improve the environment, promote justice, or
work for conflict resolution.
- Students are to apply for the awards, and members of the wider community are
invited to encourage students to apply directly. Application and recommendation
forms are available at the Public Service Center, 200
Barnes Hall.
