Recognition was never their goal, but the dedication to service of three Newman University community members was too impactful to go unnoticed.
The Martin Luther King Jr. Distinguished Service Awards are given to members of the Newman community who exemplify King’s commitment to service, inclusivity and justice.
The 2025 award recipients, who were nominated by staff, faculty and students, were student Travia Smith, faculty member Tim Cho and staff member James Sanny.
Although the awardees were awarded in February, their positive influence continues to resonate on campus.
A workplace that feels “like a calling“
For Cho, the program director for respiratory care at Newman, the recognition was unexpected but “deeply meaningful.”
Cho’s nominators describe him as a “creative and wise colleague.” They added, “Tim has been very caring, humble and friendly to his colleagues, which is much appreciated on campus.”
“First off, I was surprised, but it is a great honor just to be nominated and to receive the award,” Cho said. “I have a lot of thanks for everyone here at this institution — the sisters, administration, my friends, peers, staff and faculty. They’ve created an environment that makes it really easy to serve others.”
Cho, who has dedicated much of his time to fostering an environment of support and service at Newman, emphasized that his work is not about recognition but about following the example set by those around him.
“It makes work not feel like work,” he said with a smile. “It’s more of a life calling.”
Service as a daily commitment
Smith, the student awardee, expressed gratitude upon receiving the honor. Smith is a Jets softball player, elementary education major, Campus Activities Board chair and the Multicultural Leadership Organization student ambassador.
In the words of her nominators, Smith is “consistently an advocate for inclusion on campus and lives it out by making campus a welcoming place for everyone.”
Another nominator pointed out that as an international student, Smith has found ways to “claim her place in a new home and works hard to ensure others also feel included at Newman.”
“When I heard my name called at the award ceremony, I was immediately overjoyed,” Smith said. “Words cannot describe how grateful I am, especially in that moment, to be recognized in the name of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.”
Smith sees the award as a reminder of the continuous nature of service.
“It’s not a one-and-done deal; it’s something you do every day, regardless of whether you receive praise for it or not,” she said. “Being recognized along with staff and faculty members shows that anyone can make a difference on campus, no matter their role.”
It’s not a one-and-done deal; service is something you do every day.
Travia Smith
Creating a supportive campus culture
Sanny, a video communication specialist at Newman, was caught off guard by the recognition.
“I was straight shook,” he said with a laugh.
Sanny’s nominators describe him as both a resource for students and a supporter of fellow staff and faculty. He has shared his talents through hundreds of photography and videography projects throughout his five years (and counting) at Newman.
Sanny later reflected on the honor, calling it “humbling” to be placed among past winners who have made significant contributions to the university.
“There are so many people here who do so much for the students and great things outside of the university,” he said. “I just try to take care of others and do what’s right for the world.”
For Sanny, one of the most rewarding aspects of his job is fostering a welcoming and inclusive environment for students.
“I want them to leave here feeling very positive about their time at Newman,” he said. “It’s important that they feel proud of where they got their education and the experiences they had.”
His family shared in the excitement of his recognition.
“My wife was very excited, and my girls all cheered me on when they found out,” he said. “Even though they don’t quite know what it means now, I hope that as they grow older, they understand the importance of inclusivity and caring for others.”
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