Dr. Christie Billups, Coordinator of Service Learning and Assistant Professor of Theology, received the Lewis University De La Salle Medallion for Exemplary Service. Billups was one of the founders of the Noté Karacel organization. She oversees its operations and manages the finances.

Noté Karacel Uganda, which means "Unite Together," is a non-profit organization that provides support to the community of Alenga located in northern Uganda. It provides opportunities for better lives through education, water security, health care and food security. The initial efforts of the organization focused on providing funding for education of girls between the ages 11 and 15. Five years later, the organization continues to coordinate education projects, as well as funding women’s resources, healthcare, water security, support for orphans, and agriculture.

Incorporating her overseas work with her local connections, Billups also collaborated with Lewis University‘s Black Student Union and Harmonic Uprising, as well as students enrolled in two service learning courses in music and journalism, to organize a benefit concert on the Romeoville campus. All funds raised went toward drilling another borehole (water well) in Alenga, Uganda and other projects that are supporting the people of Catholic Parish in Alenga.

“It was so energizing and uplifting to see the Lewis community come together to enjoy great music and learn about our sisters and brothers half way around the world. It felt good to join these two important parts of my life,” said Billups.

“Equally important, however, is that members of the Lewis University community were introduced to the people of Alenga and given the chance to learn more about the many ways that we can help make a difference half way around the globe,” said Dr. Kurt Schackmuth, Associate Vice President for Mission and Chair of the award selection committee.

Lewis University is a Catholic university offering distinctive undergraduate and graduate programs to nearly 6,500 traditional and adult students. Lewis offers multiple campus locations, online degree programs, and a variety of formats that provide accessibility and convenience to a growing student population. Sponsored by the De La Salle Christian Brothers, Lewis prepares intellectually engaged, ethically grounded, globally connected, and socially responsible graduates. The ninth largest private not-for-profit university in Illinois, Lewis has been nationally recognized by The Princeton Review and U.S. News & World Report.