The HCEF Recognizes Duquesne Professor’s Years of Volunteering

The Homeless Children’s Education Fund (HCEF) recently honored a McAnulty College and Graduate School of Liberal Arts professor with an award to recognize his many years of volunteering for the nonprofit and the children it supports.

Dr. Erik Garrett, associate professor of communication and rhetorical studies, received The Joseph Lagana Volunteer Award at the HCEF’s 17th annual Champions for Children Gala on March 7. The award honors members of the Pittsburgh community who have gone above and beyond to improve the lives of an estimated 2,900 children and youth experiencing homelessness and poverty in Allegheny County.

“Through his activities, Dr. Garrett has drawn colleagues and students at Duquesne into understanding as well as advocacy to improve this situation,” said McAnulty Dean Dr. James Swindal. “His work exemplifies our University’s mission of service.”

Last year, Garrett received a Gaultier Community-Engaged Teaching Fellowship at Duquesne for his community engagement work, which included lectures on the challenges of urban living and his essay on child homelessness. He also worked collaboratively with community partners to design project-based neighborhood engagement events. Students in Garrett’s upper-level classes helped to host and promote these events, including the annual Stand up for Homeless Children event on campus, during which student and staff participants stand in silence for 15 minutes while holding images of faces that represent the homeless children of Pittsburgh.