The Physics Department congratulates Stephon Alexander on his service award, the President’s Volunteer Service Award (PVSA), which he received in a June 2nd ceremony and recognizes his many hours of civic participation. The PVSA honors individuals whose service positively impacts communities in every corner of the nation and inspires those around them to take action, too.

Professor Alexander says he is "pleasantly surprised" at the honor. Along with Prof. Stephon Alexander, PVSA awardees include Chuck D, a Hip-Hop artist, cultural advocate, and member of Public Enemy; Jon Tilli, Chair of dbPride and Director of Deutsche Bank; Dr. Angelina Ruffin, Managing Director of Kaiser Permanente Center For Gun Violence Research and Education; and Peace Advocate Tina Marie Tyler, Founder of Hip Hop 4 Peace and President of the CA Chapter, US Federations, UNESCO Clubs, Centers, and Associations.

The President's Volunteer Service Award is a civil award bestowed by the President of the United States. Established by executive order by George W. Bush, it honors volunteers who give hundreds of hours per year helping others through the President's Council on Service and Civic Participation. The award can be granted to individuals, families, and organizations throughout the United States.

Depending on the number of service hours completed, individuals can receive the Bronze, Silver, Gold, and/or the President's Call to Service Award (also referred to as the President's Lifetime Achievement Award). The Call to Service Award is the most prestigious, and it has been awarded to few Americans to recognize over 4,000 hours of extraordinary service, including notable honorees such as S. Truett Cathy, Mark, Carman, and Zach Bonner.