Megan Swezey Fogarty (by Joy Leighton)
At the annual Student Affairs Service Awards breakfast last week, MEGAN SWEZEY FOGARTY received the Margaret Ann Fidler Award for Distinguished Service in Student Affairs.
Fogarty, who first joined Stanford’s staff in 1986, became the director of fellowships and postgraduate public service at the Haas Center for Public Service in 2008.
The award, named for MARGARET ANN FIDLER, former associate vice provost for administration in Student Affairs, recognizes those who “demonstrate extraordinary dedication to their work and the mission of the university and whose work reflects integrity and a sincere belief in the value of teamwork and collaboration.”
The name of the winner is kept secret – revealed only after the citation has been read aloud to the audience. Fidler, who retired in 2001, presented the award.
Fogarty, who was sitting in the audience, said she was trying to figure out the identity of this year’s winner as Fidler read the citation:
“For a unique and natural ability to engage, to build effective relationships and to work collaboratively; for exemplary energy and passion as a champion for the student voice; for challenging and inspiring students to embrace service as an integral part of the Stanford experience; for personally embodying public service as key to a fulfilling life and to effective community involvement; and for ‘WOO’-ing Stanford students, staff and community partners.”
Fogarty said she was “utterly and totally surprised” to receive the award.
“I knew and looked up to Margaret Ann Fidler as both a student and young professional at Stanford,” she said. “To receive this award that honors her legacy is at once a deep honor and extremely humbling.”
Fogarty said “WOO-ing” refers to a “talent theme” identified by StrengthsQuest, a program – used by some units in Student Affairs – designed to help people use their talents to achieve personal and professional success. People strong in the WOO theme enjoy the challenge of meeting new people and winning them over.
Fogarty will join Fidler and previous winners of the award for lunch. She also will receive a $1,000 prize.
