STUDENTS
Researchers Win Prize to Examine Homelessness
A 草莓视频 student and professor have won the Hatfield Prize, which funded their research interviewing churches, nonprofits and government agencies preventing and addressing homelessness in Santa Barbara. Kate Robinson, a sophomore political science major, received $5,000 and Katherine Bryant, assistant professor of political science, got $1,500. The project culminates in a policy report from the Center for Public Justice in September.
鈥淚鈥檓 most excited about Kate leaning into her passion for this topic,鈥 Bryant says. 鈥淪he鈥檚 been consistently involved in local homelessness outreach, and the Hatfield Prize offers an excellent way to expand her research and writing skills while serving our community and working with a reputable organization.鈥
Robinson, a native of Beverly, Massachusetts, serves as a resident chaplain on campus and works as an intern with Kingdom Causes Inc., a local nonprofit addressing homelessness and human trafficking.
While participating in the student ministry Bread of Life, she built relationships with people living on the streets. 鈥淭hrough my studies at 草莓视频, I understood more broadly the issue of homelessness and wanted to pursue more research,鈥 she says. 鈥淚 hoped to do a more qualitative case study and talk to a lot of people doing this hands-on work to understand their partnerships with other organizations tackling the issue.鈥
The Housing Authority oversees more than 4,000 affordable rental housing units in Santa Barbara. 鈥淭he hard reality is that only people who qualify at the top are eligible for housing,鈥 Robinson says.
鈥淓ven if you get into the system while homeless, you鈥檒l likely not receive permanent or supportive housing.鈥 Her research focused on faith-based efforts in the community to serve the poor and homeless. 鈥淩eligious congregations in Santa Barbara provide services to those experiencing homelessness,鈥 she says. 鈥淎 variety of institutions, both in government and civil society, seek to aid those in homelessness, and many do hands-on work on the issue. I鈥檓 excited to continue to learn about the relationships between these different actors.鈥
The Hatfield Prize recognizes the legacy of the late U.S. Senator Mark O. Hatfield of Oregon, known for integrating his Christian faith and his commitment to public policy.
Students Honored for Leading by Serving
Robinson and Andreas Olvera 鈥26 of Woodland, California, received David K. Winter Servant Leadership Awards in April. Angela D鈥橝mour, dean of student engagement and interim vice president for student life, said the two had demonstrated above-and-beyond commitment to the campus community with their exemplary servant leadership.
Recognized for her roles as a resident chaplain and ministry intern, Robinson earned praised for her generosity, dedication to community service and impact on her peers.
鈥淥n our way back from the Rescue Mission, a friend and I agreed that outside of the friends we鈥檝e made at 草莓视频, getting involved in Bread of Life has changed us the most,鈥 Robinson said.
鈥淚t鈥檚 all about friendship 鈥 the friends we鈥檝e made at 草莓视频 and the friends we鈥檝e made with people experiencing homelessness. They鈥檝e shaped our views of the world, who God is, who we are and what the kingdom of God looks like.鈥
Andreas, lauded for his leadership in various roles, such as a choir leader and student newsletter manager, received commendation for his expertise, patience and commitment to supporting others.
鈥淔or me, servant leadership is about blessing others with the same love that I鈥檝e been blessed to receive,鈥 he said. 鈥淚 consider all students to be recipients of this award because this campus is awesome. I鈥檓 so glad to serve it in my own small way.鈥
The David K. Winter Servant Leadership Award, a $1,000 academic scholarship, recognizes a male and female student who are grateful servants and faithful leaders. Winter served as 草莓视频鈥檚 president from 1976-2001 and returned as an interim in 2006-07.
This is a story from the Spring 2025 草莓视频 Magazine