This award was presented on Monday, May 12, 2008, at a community-wide luncheon in UA’s Student Union which filled the ballroom to capacity. In addition to a commemorative sculpture, Matt received a $1,000 scholarship to continue his studies.

This is the fifth year of the UPA awards program. This mission of the University Park Alliance is to revitalize the diverse neighborhoods in a 40-block area immediately surrounding the University of Akron, through engaging the community and catalyzing real estate & business investment. UPA was established through a major grant from The John S. and James L. Knight Foundation and is comprised of partners including The University of Akron, City of Akron, Summa Health System, Akron Beacon Journal, Akron Metropolitan Housing Authority, the Greater Akron Chamber, Akron Public Schools, and the University Park Development Corporation.

In addition to Student Engagement, awards were presented for Outstanding Faculty Engagement; Outstanding Staff Engagement; Outstanding Community Engagement and Development Awards.

Matt was nominated for the 2008 award for establishing and organizing independent “Scene as Art” student art shows at Thursday’s Lounge on East Exchange Street in University Park. As written in the program….“Acting as art show organizer, curator, exhibit designer, art handler and public relations director, Matt fulfilled his passion for the arts through the development of the ‘Scene as Art’ shows, while making a significant contribution to the burgeoning creative class environment of University Park.

The ‘Scene as Art’ shows were designed to give student artists an opportunity to show their creative productions in an off-campus venue, providing the artists with a direct connection with the local community. The shows were not only well attended by artists and community members; they also acted as a catalyst for future independent exhibitions within the University Park neighborhood. Through ‘Scene as Art’, Matt established a way to collaborate with a local business and other students to improve the cultural offerings in University Park.

Matt is being honored as the recipient of an Outstanding Student Engagement Award for his work in creating quality art, entertainment and exhibition opportunities in University Park. He has graduated with a degree in Fine Arts from UA’s Mary Schiller Myers School of Art at The University of Akron and is planning to continue his work in New York City.”