Bennett Kawas

You name it, Bennet Kawas has done it to help the Innovate Living Learning Community:

• He has arranged the filming of the Innovate Fireside Chats, setting up technical equipment for each event and making sure it works.
• Over several weekends, he gathered a group of students and moved Innovate’s furniture, boxes, and equipment to its new space in the Creativity and Innovation District.
• He volunteers on weekends to take other students shopping in Christiansburg.
• He figured out how to work the new sound system in the new CID Performance Hall and got the equipment set up for a big event.

Bennett Kawas is a first year Business Information Technology major, with a concentration in Decision Support Systems. He is hoping to pursue a dual degree in Management, with a concentration in Entrepreneurship, Innovation, and Technology Management. He is the recipient of four scholarships.

His nominator wrote, “From the moment I met Bennett I noticed how kind he was to those around him. He has made an effort to get to know everyone in the community. Because of this, students look to him for guidance and advice. Without prompting, he began holding study sessions and tutoring large groups of students in Business Calculus. Many students have remarked they would not be doing well in that course if not for Bennett helping them.”

Bennett serves with humility and kindness. His nominator said, “He never exalts himself. He goes into the Innovate lounge and vacuums the carpet, takes the community space trash out every morning, and tries to keep the space clean and presentable because he doesn’t want the housekeeper to have more work.”

Bennett said, “To me, civility means being kind and courteous to those around you and stepping up to the plate when you are called to help someone in need. A civil person makes an effort to make someone's day and looks out for those who might be struggling. I found my place at Virginia Tech by helping others. From running tutoring sessions to assisting my LLC Director, my care for the Hokie community is what makes me feel grounded at Virginia Tech, which is why I strive to make a difference in someone's life each and every day. And it is that culture that made me fall in love with this university. Everyone is always friendly and willing to help others, so I want to do my part!”

Bennett went on to say, “I have learned the true meaning of this quote from Gandhi: ‘The best way to find yourself is to lose yourself in the service of others.’ This is how I try to live my life every day.”

Even though he doesn’t have a formal title or position, Bennett is a leader, and has earned the respect and admiration of his peers because he has a heart of gold and is constantly willing to serve and help others.

Bennett, we are proud to present to you the Aspire! Award for PRACTICING CIVILITY.