Bradshaw and Ruby Honored with Thaddeus Seymour Staff Award for Community Engagement

Doragnes Bradshaw ’18 ’20MBA ’24DBA, assistant dean of the Hamilton Holt School, and Jenifer Ruby, director of international student and scholar services, are the recipients of the 2024 Thaddeus Seymour Staff Award for Community Engagement.

Bradshaw has long been a champion of Rollins’ Hamilton Holt School, consistently stepping up to support an array of programs and participating in community engagement efforts that extend far beyond her job. Beyond her commitment to elevating every Holt School student, she is also active in board service, including the Public Relations Society of America and Senior Resource Alliance. Additionally, she serves as an active member of Women United of Heart of Florida United Way, Women’s Executive Council, and the Society for Human Resource Management (SHRM).

“Doragnes shows up in the most authentic way to support so many different community initiatives,” writes her nominator. “It is evident that she has a sincere interest in building, sustaining, and renewing healthy communities. She shows a tremendous amount of commitment and devotion to all the work that she becomes involved with and does so with diligence, flexibility, great organization, and professionalism.”

Ruby’s commitment, dedication, and exceptional service in supporting the College’s mission to create global citizens and responsible leaders have greatly benefitted Rollins, Central Florida, and the larger global communities. For years, she has worked alongside the First Congregational Church of Winter Park to engage in a multitude of community efforts and has served as a global volunteer leader for NAFSA: Association of International Educators.

“Jenifer is a staunch student educator and a passionate advocate for others who is incredibly dedicated to supporting global citizenship one student at a time,” says her nominator. “The work, energy, and time she puts into her work and volunteer roles is nothing short of astounding as she reinvigorates the efforts of advocacy within the international education community.”

Thaddeus Seymour joined Rollins in 1978 as the 12th president of the College. During his 12-year tenure, he transformed Rollins through his commitment to academic excellence, fundraising, and relationships with the local community. The Thaddeus Seymour Staff Award for Community Engagement was established in 2006 as a means of recognizing Rollins staff members for sustainable and demonstrated service in local and global communities. In the spirit of Rollins’ mission of educating global citizens and responsible leaders, this award is granted annually to the staff member who has transformed our community through community engagement.