The Rev. Callista Isabelle, the first director for religious, spiritual, and ethical life at WashU, has been awarded this year’s Gloria W. White Distinguished Service Award. This university-wide accolade is presented to a staff member who goes above and beyond their regular responsibilities to make a beneficial contribution to both employees and the university community as a whole.
The award, established in 1998, honors White, a dedicated campus leader for nearly 35 years until her death in 2003. Many colleagues commended Isabelle for her work, which reflects White’s support for underrepresented communities.
“Callista’s commitment to social justice is profoundly embedded in her work, as she cultivates an atmosphere where students feel acknowledged, valued, and motivated to effect change,” a group of colleagues stated in their nomination. “Whether offering confidential assistance or linking students with essential resources, she embodies the principles of empathy, support, and inclusivity daily.”
When Isabelle joined the university in 2019, she assumed a newly established position aimed at advocating for students of diverse or no faith backgrounds. Her background as an ordained pastor in the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America, along with her previous roles as a college chaplain at Muhlenberg College and an associate chaplain at Yale University, provided her with the tools to assist students in both joyful times and moments of crisis.
“It has been a delight to establish a new department at WashU to nurture religious, spiritual, and ethical life,” Isabelle remarked. “I love collaborating with colleagues to support our students. Together, we can play a role in each student’s circle of care throughout their university journey.”
Earlier this year, Isabelle also received the Zenobia Hikes Memorial Award from NASPA, the premier organization for student affairs administrators in the nation, recognizing her support for women in higher education and her efforts in developing student leaders.
As the leader of the Office for Religious, Spiritual, and Ethical Life, she has been deliberate in leading visionary programs, including interfaith fellows, Pause at Graham Chapel, and the annual Interfaith Week.
“I relish assisting students in pondering what is significant to them, whether that encompasses religious or spiritual practices, navigating life changes, or discovering ways to rest and reflect,” Isabelle commented. “Collaborating with such engaged, inquisitive, and compassionate students inspires me to be a better listener and leader.”
The WashU administration also acknowledged additional staff members for advancing WashU’s missions of education, research, and patient care.
Drew Thompson, an engineered systems manager in Facilities Planning & Management, received the Emerging Leader Award. Emily Strong, a wellness coordinator in the Office of Human Resources, was honored with the Community Impact Award.
The Central Fiscal Unit University Operations Award was granted to Peter Myers, a program manager in the Office of Postdoctoral Affairs.
Several employees were also honored for their contributions to the Danforth Campus schools and the School of Medicine. For a complete list of this year’s recipients, along with employees commemorating five to 50 years of service, visit the Human Resources website.
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