Communication studies student Kathy Goodson was among 21 CSU students who received the Students That Are Recognized for Service (S.T.A.R.S.) award.

"Service learning has driven home the point that education does not, and can not, only take place in a classroom," Goodson said. "Education can happen any time and at any place."

While enrolled in a graduate intercultural communication seminar, Goodson participated in a community service-learning project with Pacoima Beautiful, a nonprofit organization that focuses on environmental education and advocacy. Every week, she assisted with the distribution of meals at a food kitchen.

Goodson went on to supervise another service-learning project at Grant High School to develop a program to rid schools of hate and hate speech.

"Kathy understood that one of our purposes for the service learning project in the intercultural communication class was to connect with and build bridges across ethnic, racial and class differences," wrote CSUN communication studies professor Kathryn Sorrells in her letter nominating Goodson for the award. "I cannot think of a more deserving person for receiving the S.T.A.R.S. Award."

A sign language interpreter, Goodson¹s goals include teaching sign language interpreting and getting a doctorate in either intercultural communication or critical pedagogy.