Samantha Fisher, director of development, DuPage Habitat for Humanity; Rebecca Vogt; Kathy Vogt (Becca’s mom); Dave Neary, executive director, DuPage Habitat for Humanity
Elmhurst College student Rebecca Vogt has been named Young Philanthropist of the Year by the West Suburban Philanthropic Network in honor of her advocacy, fundraising efforts and multiple leadership roles with campus and community service groups.
Vogt, a Spanish and special education major enrolled in the College’s Honors Program, has volunteered for several organizations, including Habitat for Humanity; the Elmhurst College Office of Leadership, Service and Engagement; Best Buddies; and the Elmhurst Learning and Success Academy (ELSA), a post-secondary education experience for young adults with intellectual or developmental disabilities.
The West Suburban Philanthropic Network honored Vogt, who just completed her junior year at Elmhurst, on May 23 during its annual Philanthropy Awards luncheon.
“Receiving the WSPN Young Philanthropist Award is such an honor,” Vogt said. “Seeing the impact and influence on people from the organizations that I serve and raise money for is what motivates me to continue to give back to my community and beyond.”
Her advisor, education professor and ELSA director LuEllen Doty, said Vogt stands out because of her sincerity and “her willingness to want to make a difference.”
DuPage Habitat for Humanity nominated Vogt for the honor in recognition of her work as coordinator of education and advocacy for the Elmhurst College chapter of Habitat. In 2015, Vogt organized a group of student leaders to attend Habitat on the Hill, an annual legislative conference where advocates converge on Washington, D.C., to discuss affordable housing and meet with lawmakers.
As an intern with the College’s Office of Leadership, Service and Engagement, Vogt organized campuswide volunteer days known as Bluejays Care Service Projects. She recruited and coordinated volunteers for Feed My Starving Children and the Northern Illinois Food Bank, and helped to recruit and manage 126 volunteers for Elmhurst College’s annual Recycling Extravaganza.
Vogt also has been a life coach and classroom aide for ELSA. She also organized and directed an on-campus Women’s Empowerment Week, and served as coordinator of Elmhurst’s Best Buddies Friendship Walk.