Patrick Eugene
Patrick
Eugene is making a difference locally and globally. The Blue Ridge Community
College student came to the United States to pursue a higher education, and
in the process, has educated others.
In his home country of Haiti, Eugene says that widespread lack of education is the root of many of the country’s problems. “We need well-educated people over there to help the country go further,” he explains. Patrick is an active member of “Haiti’s Hope,” a non-profit organization whose mission is to help educate the children of Haiti. “We have been helping a lot of children going to school in Haiti. We now need more support, and partnership to fund the education of those kids.” While in the U.S., Eugene looks for opportunities to educate others about Haiti, and the challenges of the country, and to promote “Haiti’s Hope.”
Eugene is also helping people locally through his participation in several student organizations at BRCC, including the Spectrum Multi-Cultural Club, SIFE (Students In Free Enterprise), SGA, and the BRCC Student Ambassadors. He says that he had no idea how much he would gain from his involvement in these organizations, and has enjoyed giving back to the community. Car washes and bake sale fundraisers benefitting non-profit organizations and teaching middle school students about small businesses and economics have been some of the activities that he’s enjoyed the most.
In recognition of his leadership in student activities, proven academic record, and community involvement, Eugene was recognized as BRCC’s Student Showcase Award recipient, and represented BRCC at the Virginia Community College System conference held earlier this year. “Patrick is what I would refer to as a “humble” servant leader and a role model to his peers. He is well liked and leads by example. Patrick has a quiet spirit about himself but when put to the test as a leader, he steps up to the plate and shines,” commented BRCC Student Activities Director Mary Kier Smith.
After completing his associate’s degree at BRCC, Eugene plans to transfer to either George Mason University or Eastern Mennonite University to study computer science, then return to Haiti to continue his work with Haiti’s Hope.